LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Brenda Calhoun Snipes, former Broward County Elections and an educator, died on October 2, her family confirmed.

 

Snipes died of a brief illness at the age 80.

 

Born in Talladega, Alabama, Snipes moved to Miami in 1964 after she graduated from Talladega College with a degree in modern foreign languages.

 

She started her teaching career at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach and was principal at Robert Markham Elementary School also located in Broward County.

 

She returned to school and earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instructions for adults from Florida Atlantic University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

 

She retired from education in 2003.

 

That same year, Snipes, a Democrat, was appointed supervisor of elections for Broward County by then-Republican Jeb Bush to replace Miriam Oliphant who he removed from office for alleged irregularities in the handling of ballots in the 2000 controversial U.S. presidential election between Vice President Al Gore and George W. Bush.

 

A memorial service for Snipes was not announced as of today.

Snipes is survived by her two daughters and two grandchildren.