Deanna "Dee" Boykin Snell, loving wife, Mom, Mimi, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at age 86.

Dee was born on November 28, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to Lu Seale and Cue Dellas Boykin. She grew up playing the piano in Lufkin, Texas, and spent many summers with her beloved Aunt Gladys and Uncle Bill Bearicks in Yoakum, Texas.

Deanna met Jerry Francis Snell during her senior year of high school, and they were married shortly after her graduation on June 1, 1957. They were married for 66 years. During their life together, Dee and Jerry lived in Lufkin, Huntsville (AL), Chicago (IL), Rochester (NY), Houston, Georgetown, and Austin. Dee and Jerry welcomed their first child, Ellen Rebecca, on December 12, 1964, in Rochester, New York. Their second daughter, Rachel Elizabeth, arrived in Houston, Texas, on March 24, 1967.

Dee was the consummate homemaker, relishing all forms of domestic bliss and having a knack for making each house a home. From laundress extraordinaire to decorating diva to culinary queen, Dee loved nothing better than entertaining with food lovingly prepared for anyone visiting her home.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry F. Snell, and her daughter, Ellen Snell Adams. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Alan M. Buie, of Austin; her brother, Cue Boykin, and his wife, Dorothy, of Austin. She also leaves behind grandson Yates Adams, of San Marcos, and nephews, Dell and Michael Boykin, of Austin.

Dee's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Smith Family Chapel at Riverbend Church, 4214 Capital of Texas Highway, in Austin, Texas, with a reception to follow. At a later date, the family will hold a private interment ceremony at Remembrance Gardens at Riverbend.

The family wishes to thank the residents and staff of Buckner Villas, her last loving home in Austin, and caregivers, particularly Margaret Osoro and Beulah Harris, for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be made to Buckner International, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the charity of your choice.