Essie Bell Robinson Snell was born on April 26, 1927 in Mount Vernon, Georgia. Essie was the youngest child born to Frank and Rachel (nee) Sanford Robinson. Essie was educated in the segregated school system in Montgomery County, Georgia.
At the young age of eighteen, Essie married her high school sweetheart, Willie James Snell. After he received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, the couple migrated to Long Branch, New Jersey, reuniting Essie with her sisters, who previously migrated from Georgia.
The couple settled down in the housing community known as Grant Court. In this residence they raised their children. Shortly after settling in their residency, the family became a part of the church family of Second Baptist Church under the leadership of pastor Rev. C.P. Williams.
Essie was a homemaker and a great cook. Family, friends and neighbors looked forward to having a slice of sweet potato pie and her New Year's Chitterlings. Essie never closed the door to the family home, feeding and providing shelter to those in need. Essie loved shopping rummage sales and thrift shops, she would shop for everyone, if there was clothing or furniture on sale and she knew someone was in need, she would buy and give it to that person expecting nothing in return. It was her joy knowing she helped someone that was in need.
Essie caring for others, extended to her occupation as a Nurse's Aide. Essie started her career as a Nurse's Aide at the now closed Hazard Hospital. Essie continued working in this field at Eatontown Convalescent Center now known as Gateway. Essie retired from Gateway after serving over thirty five years.
Essie is the beloved mother of Jane Snell Holland, of South Orange, New Jersey, Willie James Snell Jr. of Long Branch, New Jersey, John David Snell (Liz) of Windsor Conn. Vincent Snell (Kathy) of Eatontown, New Jersey, and step-mother of Eddie Mae Williamson of Atlanta, Georgia, grandmother of Rodney, Kareem, Keenon and Maurice Snell, George and Kyseé Barteé, Kali and Chad (Lisette) Holland, step grandmother of Terry, Antoinette and Lydia and great-grandmother of Jaysean, Taylor and Klassiq Barteé, and Beatrix and Matilda Holland.
She is survived by her sisters, Viola Robinson of Long Branch, NJ and Lola Robinson of Mt. Vernon, NJ.
Essie was predeceased in death, by her parents Frank and Rachel Robinson, her husband Willie J. Snell, Sr., a daughter Darlene Snell Barteé, sisters Cecilia, Zora, Leatha, Sarah, Frankie Mae, Buelah and brothers Lester and Joseph Robinson. Essie is also survived by a host of special nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and relatives.
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