Mary Lou Epley Sprinkle

Mary Lou Epley Sprinkle

January 4, 1931 - April 9, 2024

Mary Lou Epley Sprinkle, 93, of Marion, made her final trip to her heavenly home on April 9, 2024. The daughter of the late Carl Epley and Effie Hall Epley.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Alvin Sprinkle, who passed away in 2007 and a daughter-in-law, Cathy Coker Sprinkle. Others who preceded her include brothers Vernon, Clyde, J.B. and Buddy Epley, sisters Charlotte Reel, Evelyn Morgan, Pauline Day and Kate Mae Davenport.

Surviving Mary Lou are her sons Doug and Lynn (Kathy) of Marion, four grandchildren, Bryan (Crystal) Sprinkle, Jennifer (Duncan) Gant, Andrew Sprinkle and Nickolas (Lindsay) Sprinkle. Mrs. Sprinkle had four great grandchildren, Lincoln and Harper Sprinkle and Maddox and Murphy Gant. A sister, Joyce Suttles of Pittsboro, NC, a special nephew Joey Morgan of Marion and her special friend and caregiver, Teresa Cole. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law.

Mrs. Sprinkle was a founding member of Zion Hill Baptist Church when it reopened in 1937. She loved the Lord and served him faithfully in the church and as a Sunday School Teacher of junior girls, junior boys, young teens and as an adult teacher of ladies. She served as Christmas play director for many years and as an assistant to the treasurer.

In the community, Mary Lou loved her fellow church members and neighbors. She would visit the sick, prepare meals, and take an active role in seeking funds for neighbors in need and organizations which served the community. She and her husband Alvin volunteered with meals on wheels packing lunches.She was also, at one time, a member of the McDowell Hospital Auxiliary.

Mrs. Sprinkle was a very active person. She worked for many years at Elizabeth James Hosiery Mill until its closing. She then worked for Belk in Marion until her retirement. After retirement, she went back to work for the McDowell Hospital until her final retirement at age 86.

Mary Lou will be forever remembered and missed by her family, church and her community.

The family will receive friends at The Beam Celebration Center on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Walker, Pastor Gerald Sprinkle and Mr. Paul Baker officiating. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will Follow at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial be made to Meals on Wheels, St Judes, Boys Town, Care Partners Hospice or a charity of your choice.