Irene Snyder Burl **Update 11/16/20

Published 3:56 pm Monday, November 16, 2020

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Irene Snyder Burl, age 67, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Geniva Dent Hill & Peter Snyder, Jr.

Ms. Burl,” as she was respectfully known by all her students, collogues and friends began her career at the age of 21 with St. John Parish School system as a certified teacher. She devoted her time teaching, mentoring and inspiring her students in her 44+ years of teaching. Throughout her career, Ms. Burl sponsored many clubs and extracurricular activities such as: Social Studies and Science Fair, 4-H Club, BETA Club, Student Council, cheerleading, softball and volleyball coach, as well ass many educational trips for her students throughout her career. From the Hot Sauce Capital to the State Capital, from Houston Texas to Washington D.C., and Teen Summits in Baton Rouge and New Orleans; the road traveled had no end. She introduced her students to numerous opportunities where education was always the key component. She has always aimed to instill in her students the importance of hard work, dedication and an education. She continually pushed her students beyond limits. “The Sky is the Limit” was one of her favorite mottos for her students. “Happy” by Hip Hop artist Pharrell had become one of her inspirational songs that she played in her classroom in order to get her students in a great mood. She said, “the lyrics were motivating, and it speaks the truth about not letting nothing or anyone bring you down.”

Throughout her career, she received many awards for her leadership and dedication to the education system such as: Teacher of the year on several occasions, Teacher of the month, honored and recognized for her many educational trips with her students, CHOICE International Precious Gem Award recipient, 4-H club top awards, Social Studies and Science Fair most placed students, and many other awards and recognitions on the local and state level.

Her work was never done; she always felt the urge to do more. While most teachers may have used their summer to rest and spend time with family and travel, Mrs. Burl spent her summers working with St. John Parish Recreation as a summer camp director, and Regala Pool as a Supervisor. Ms. Burl could be seen driving down airline in the summer with a car full of kids. She would transport her great nieces and nephews with her every day because they all wanted to go with “T-Irene” to the pool; they knew her schedule—from summer camp to Regala. Ms. Burl has also volunteered many years with St. John the Baptist Parish Recreation either collecting entrance money or selling concession at events.

Precious memories shall forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues and the St. John Parish community. Irene leaves to cherish her memories; her children, Chanda Snyder, Albert “Ali” (Dr. Talawanga), Abdul Jabbar (Kyroneka) and Akeem Kareem Burl; her grandchildren, Alajuwon & Alaila Snyder, Kalyn, Aubrey, Konnor, Karter, and Kalee Burl. Irene was blessed to share her last year with her three great-grandchildren, Javier Snyder, Trenton Cousin and Jzage Snyder.

A memorial celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at New Wine Christian Fellowship, 1929 W Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068, Neil Bernard, pastor, Bishop Ronald Frank, officiating.

A memorial celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at New Wine Christian Fellowship, 1929 W Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068, Neil Bernard, pastor, Bishop Ronald Frank, officiating.

A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the above named church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service time ONLY. Bishop Ronald Frank and Milesville Memorial C.O.G.I. C, officiating/host. Due to CDC & COVID 19 restrictions, Mask & Social Distancing orders are in place (Mask Required). Final arrangements entrusted to Hobson Brown Funeral Home—134 Daisy St., Garyville, LA 70051 and New Orleans Embalmer’s Association.