Sally Lea Snyder Bradley Obituary

Sally Lea Snyder Bradley

Aiken - Sally Lea Snyder Bradley passed away on December 18, 2025 at the age of 81 in Aiken, SC, where she lived for 56 years.

Sally was born in Charlotte, NC on January 29, 1944 to Thomas Alfred Snyder and Wilma Derrick Snyder as the second of four girls. Her family moved to West Columbia, SC, when Sally was nine. She graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in 1962 as the salutatorian of her class. Sally was very well-liked among her peers and she accumulated many academic awards and honors, as well as being voted Student Body President and "Miss Hi Miss" by her class. She subsequently attended the University of South Carolina, where she majored in English. Sally graduated with honors in 1966 and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She taught English at Fulmer Junior High School in Cayce, SC for two years before returning to USC and earning a Master's degree in English in 1970.

Sally married John Benjamin Bradley of Columbia, SC on July 31, 1966; they lived together in West Columbia before moving to Aiken, SC on July 20, 1969 (the night of the Apollo 11 moon landing). She taught for a year at Aiken High School before giving birth to her son, John Michael Bradley, on December 18, 1971. Sally returned to teaching several years later when Michael entered kindergarten. She taught half-time at Langley-Bath-Clearwater High School for two years; then returned to Aiken High School, where she taught English full time for 21 years before her retirement. She later taught French for several years at Mead Hall School in Aiken. Over the course of her career, she taught students of all ability levels, with an emphasis on senior english students. She taught Advanced Placement English at Aiken High until her retirement, helping many college-bound students begin their higher education with a sophisticated understanding and appreciation of great literature (as well as college credit).

Sally's love of literature, language, and drama was plainly evident in her teaching style. She often acted out roles from plays or novels in class, at times reading in the characters' voices. She excelled at engaging students and demonstrating the value of literature as something vibrant, artistic, and having intrinsic worth, rather than merely an academic exercise. Sally also encouraged students in extracurricular endeavors at Aiken High, serving as a faculty advisor for the student newspaper, literary magazine, and the senior class play. Over the course of her career and beyond, she frequently encountered former students who spoke with reverence regarding lessons she imparted. Many former students who have established careers in education have cited her as an inspiration and mentor.

Sally also developed her love for drama outside of the classroom. She loved the Aiken Community Theater and acted in several plays over the course of her life, including Steel Magnolias (twice), The Women, Crossing Delancey, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Trojan Women. She was well-known for "hamming it up" both in and out of the classroom, and she was quick with wordplay, puns, and corny jokes throughout her life.

Sally excelled in writing poetry, despite holding a humble view of her considerable talent. Her poem "Spring Pruning" was selected as a finalist for a poetry contest sponsored by The State newspaper. Sally studied modern dance for a period as a young adult and studied oil painting later in life. She had impeccable taste and a discerning eye, which she expressed through her love of home décor, antiques, and fine art. Sally created a beautiful home that provided a warm and welcoming environment for her friends and family.

Sally had a cheerful, easy personality; she always greeted others-especially her students-with a smile and kind words. She had a sly wit and a keen sense of humor that always seemed to put those

around her at ease. Sally was particularly generous and loving; she could easily recognize the best qualities of others, and she was quick to forgive. Sally contributed to many local charities and served on the boards of several local agencies. She had a special place in her heart for Children's Place, a local school for disadvantaged children. Sally was very socially active throughout her life in Aiken. She had many close friends who loved and respected her, and she was involved in a wide range of local clubs, including Sand River Woman's Club, Aiken Mardi Gras Club, Student Club, Pine Needle Garden Club, Friends of Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, and book and bridge clubs.

Sally attended St. John's United Methodist Church in Aiken from 1969 until her passing. Her paternal grandfather served as Minister of First Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC after an earlier stint as a Vaudeville performer, suggesting that her her sense of humor, love of performance, and overall good nature had deep roots in her family.

Sally was exceptionally special as a wife and mother to John and Michael. She loved her family without reserve and was always supportive of their endeavors (even those of dubious value). During her retirement, she was able to travel extensively with her family and close friends. She cherished her experiences during multiple trips to Europe, including numerous crossings of the Atlantic by ship.

Sally is survived by her husband John, her son Michael, her daughter-in-law Sara Essex Bradley, and her sisters Suzanne Snyder Sykes (Mark) and Sharon Snyder. She was predeceased by her sister Shayne Snyder Hall (James), her parents Thomas Alfred Snyder and Wilma Derrick Snyder, and her stepmother Naomi (Corley) Snyder.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. W. Timothy McClendon officiating. A reception will immediately follow in Ward Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. John's Methodist Church, P.O. Box 809, Aiken, SC 29802 or to Children's Place (childrensplaceinc.org)

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

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