An Ode to Virginia Snyder

 


In honor of Virginia Snyder 
Dec. 27, 1925 - Nov. 25, 2024

Virginia was passionate about Greene County MU Extension and efforts to preserve the history of one-room schools in the Ozarks. This "Ode to Virginia Snyder" is written by David L. Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension and a lifelong resident of the Ozarks.

An Ode to Virginia Snyder

By David L. Burton


At ninety-nine years, Virginia stands,  
A life well-lived by gentle hands.  
Baptized in Turnback Creek at twelve,  
Her roots were planted, deep and swell.  
A child of Ash Grove, proud and bright,  
She graduated in '43, a guiding light.

In one-room schools she forged her way,  
For eleven years, she taught each day.  
Then Springfield called her, strong and true,  
Thirty-one years of teaching grew.  
A Bachelor’s degree, with wisdom keen,  
From Southwest Missouri, she’d be seen.

Her master's from Drury, she earned with grace,  
Her mind, her heart, a sacred place.  
Though children of her own she never bore,  
She taught so many, loved them more.  
A kind and loving, understanding soul,  
Her students' lives she helped to mold.

A worker hard, a dreamer bold,  
Her heart was pure, her spirit gold.  
She built a park, a music space,  
The Snyder Family Music Park, a sacred place.  
Bluegrass and Gospel, songs of old,  
Resonating with stories told.

Her heritage deep, her roots run wide,  
She restored Little Moore, with loving pride.  
A teacher, author, vision clear,  
A heart that yearned to persevere.  
The one-room school she held so dear,  
A vital force, to her it was clear.

She believed in dreams, her own took flight,  
With passion burning, pure and bright.  
A dreamer’s power, she understood,  
One soul with purpose, can do much good.  
"One person with a dream," she’d say,  
"Is worth more than many in disarray."

Virginia Snyder, a legacy bright,  
You followed your dream with all your might.  
A teacher, a builder, a heart so true,  
Your life's a story, in skies of blue.  
Now, as you rest, your work complete,  
Your legacy in each heart beats.

You followed your dream, and now we see,  

Your love for life, your legacy.

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