Catherine Snell

Catherine Louise Cheatham Snell, beloved wife of Dr. James Daniel Snell, Jr. passed away September 6th, 2023. She was 88 years old. Mrs. Snell was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, the third daughter of William Overton Cheatham and Ruth Mosley Cheatham on September 20th, 1934. She graduated from the University of Alabama and attended Vanderbilt Graduate School, before marrying James Daniel Snell, Jr. in 1958. She was a dedicated wife, loving mother and grandmother. Catherine’s love of cooking manifested into a 17 year long career as the cook for Christ Church Cathedral of Nashville, Tennessee. She was a weekly volunteer for This N That thrift shop, as well as St. Luke’s Community Center for many years. She was active in Centering Prayer and a member of the Christ Church Cathedral Altar Guild. Known as “Cate” by her grandchildren, Mrs. Snell had a strong wit and wry sense of humor. She was an avid collector of all things art and had a special affection for outsider art. Mrs. Snell is survived by her two daughters: Catherine Elizabeth Olah (John) of Healdsburg, California and Margaret Louise Alexander (Billy) of Nashville, Tennessee, her five grandchildren (Jessica Hamill, Ellen Fulmer, James Olah, Katie Alexander, Helen Alexander) and two great grandchildren (Leonidas and Lysander Hamill). Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Pike in Nashville, is handling funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Luke’s Community House or Larkspur Conservation. A Graveside Service will be held at Larkspur Conservation at Taylor Hollow, Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 12pm . Please arrive 15 minutes prior to service time. What to expect at a natural burial: Dress for an outdoor hike and wear appropriate shoes. Use the restroom before you arrive, there is no public toilet or running water. Carpool to Larkspur - parking is limited. Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time. Family and friends will be welcomed at the trailhead by Larkspur staff and volunteers. The casket or body will be in place at the graveside prior to the arrival of family and friends. Family and friends will hike up the hill into the nature preserve for the burial ceremony. Words are shared and the casket or body is lowered into the grave by family and friends. With guidance the family and friends shovel soil into the grave until it is closed. Hike away from the graveside and return to your vehicle or explore the preserve. Leave no trash behind. Cut flowers are welcome.

Catherine Snell

September 20, 1934 - September 6, 2023