Ira Jones Snead

On July 14, 2026, the Lord took Ira by the hand and led her home.

Ira Jones Snead was born on September 6, 1933, in the Vox community of Williamsburg County. She was the fourth of eight children born to Grady John and Ollie Matthews Jones. Ira graduated with honors from Johnsonville High School. After high school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts in Humanities from Converse College, and a Master of Arts in Data Processing from the University of South Carolina.

While attending the University of South Carolina, Ira worked for the South Carolina Department of Education. After graduation, she taught at Dreher High School in Columbia, followed by 15 years at R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center and 13 years at Spartanburg Methodist College. Ira was a pioneer in her field, becoming the first to introduce computer instruction at R. D. Anderson in Spartanburg School District Six. She spent three summers in Oklahoma studying computer technology and returned to South Carolina to share her knowledge with her students. In 1993, Ira was nominated by the South Carolina Business Education Association for National Business Teacher of the Year. She also received the Outstanding Leadership Award and was named South Carolina Career Woman of the Year in 1990.

Throughout her career, Ira held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations. She served as President of the South Carolina Business Education Association, editor of its publication, President of Delta Kappa Gamma for four years, President of the Spartanburg Business and Professional Women's organization, and held leadership roles in Phi Beta Lambda and Kappa Delta Pi. She was a driving force in each of these organizations.

Ira was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 61 years, Dr. James Gibson "Jim" Snead. Together they traveled to six of the world's seven continents. One of their greatest joys was cheering on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. In recognition of their loyal support, they were honored as Legendary Fans of the Year in 2010, a distinction they both treasured.

Together, Ira and Jim were blessed with two sons, James Warren Snead (Cindy) of Lake Bowen and Joel Gibson Snead (Jackie) of Spartanburg. She also leaves behind two precious grandsons that she loved beyond words, James Morgan Snead (Mary Kathryn) and Reece Gibson Snead (Samantha).

In addition to her husband, Ira was preceded in death by six siblings: Hubert Jones, Jackie Bucher, Ilee Lee, Rollin Jones, Mary Wade, and John Jones. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Macklin.

Ira loved her Lord and faithfully served St. James United Methodist Church. She and Jim were charter members when the church was established in 1958. Over the next six decades, Ira served in numerous leadership roles within the church, the Spartanburg District, and the South Carolina Conference. She organized the district's annual Yah-Yah Day for senior adults, coordinated senior travel opportunities, taught the Young at Heart Sunday School Class, and served faithfully on numerous church committees.

Ira spent the last five years of her life at Eden Terrace, where she remained active, attended every activity she could, won at Bingo daily, and was a bright light to everyone she met. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Eden Terrace for the exceptional care, love, kindness, and friendship they shared with Ira.

A service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Spartanburg at 10:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2026, with the burial in Easley to follow.

Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 213 North Lanford Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel