Sarah Elizabeth Kopp Sneed

Sarah Elizabeth Kopp Sneed, 86, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 29, 1939, in Brunswick County, North Carolina, Sarah was the daughter of William Albert Kopp Sr. and Sarah Johnson Kopp. She was a graduate of New Hanover High School in Wilmington (Class of 1957) and pursued further studies at the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro) and Croft Business School in Durham. It was there she met the love of her life and future husband, Mr. Bob Sneed. Their union spanned 64 years, marked by enduring affection and unwavering partnership.

Sarah grew up going to New Hope Presbyterian Church in Winnabow, North Carolina, a church built by her ancestors and one that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Sarah & Bob exchanged wedding vows at the church, which will also serve as her final resting place.

Professionally, Sarah contributed her talents to the Durham Chamber of Commerce before joining Duke University, where she served with distinction until her retirement. Her gentleness, dedication, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bob; her children, Beth Sneed and Rob Sneed (Chesley) of Durham, NC; and her grandchildren, Price Sneed (Charleston, SC) and Sutton Sneed (Raleigh, NC), of whom she was tremendously proud. She also leaves behind her brother, Bill Kopp (Wilmington, NC); sisters-in-law Donnie Kopp (Sunset Harbor, NC) and Margaret Sneed (Wilmington, NC); six nephews; three nieces; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Albert Kopp Sr. and Sarah Johnson Kopp (Bolivia, NC); her brother, John Kopp (Sunset Harbor, NC); her sister, Clara Kopp Reynolds (Alpharetta, GA); her brother-in-law, Doug Reynolds (Alpharetta, GA); her sister-in-law Barbara Kopp (Wilmington, NC) ; her sister-in-law, Betty Jean Crisp (Etowah, NC); and her nephew, Barry Crisp (Etowah, NC).

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, NC. A funeral service and interment will follow at a later date at New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Winnabow, NC.

The Sneed family thanks Connie and Mellonie of Providing Loving Care in Pembroke, North Carolina, for their support and care over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sarah’s memory to Heartland Hospice (https://www.gentivahs.com), whose care and compassion were a source of comfort in her final days.

The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.