of Batesville, AR
November 2, 1939 - June 24, 2015
Hope Elder Spragins, 75, of Batesville died Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at UAMS in Little Rock.
Born November 2, 1939 in Piggott, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Vilas and Marie Elder.
Other than spending time with her grandchildren, Hope loved to travel with her family and friends. She was a retired teacher and loved serving others. Hope was actively involved as an Elder and Clerk of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, First Presbyterian Church Choir, Lyon College Presidents' Council, Lyon College Phi Mu Sorority Advisor, Lyon College Flute Choir, Lyon College Honorary Alumni Award, PEO Sisterhood Chapter BQ past president, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member, ATHENA Study Club, Old Independence Museum Volunteer, Ozark Foothills Literacy Project 2015 Tutor of the Year, organizer of Go Red, Bridge Clubs, and was an accomplished fisherman and tap dancer. She will be remembered for her wonderful laugh and smile. Hope enjoyed watching the pursuits of her granddaughters: April in the band; Clara and Tressie in their Thespian activities; Laura, Rachel and Mallory in volleyball; Hannah in all of her sports (volleyball, basketball, softball); and Jill in dance.
Survivors include her son, Clint Parton and Patti of Jonesboro; stepdaughters, Melissa Qualls and Scott of Batesville and Stacey Rhoades and Tom of Hardy; a sister, Faith Welshans-Hogan of Bryant and a brother, Vilas Elder of Jonesboro.
The joy of her life were her granddaughters: Laura Marie Clayton (Chad) of Plano, Texas, Rachel Elizabeth Colananni (Mick) of Waco, Texas, Mallory Grace Parton of Jonesboro, Clara and Tressie Rhoades of Hardy and April, Hannah and Jill Qualls of Batesville; four nieces and one nephew; and her special friend, Dr. Bill Beller, of Batesville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dr. Fitzhugh Spragins; and daughter Kelly Marie Purtee.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville with Reverend Leslie Roper leading the service. Burial will be prior to the service.
Pallbearers are Aaron, Blake and Caleb Price, Steve Purtee, Chad Clayton and Mick Colananni.
Honorary pallbearers include Brad Welshans, Brien Hall, Dr. Bob Walton, Mickey and Shirley Coe, Bob and Jeanne Fitzgerald, Raye Rogers, Bruce Johnston, Don Weatherman, Cliff Tackett, Harold Roller, McGhee Coe, members of the Lyon College Phi Mu Sorority, Lyon College Flute Choir, all members of her Bridge Clubs and Dinner Club.
Special thanks to Nurse Linda Krepps, Donnie Sutton and Dennis Brezler.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Phi Mu Sorority, Hope Spragins Fund, 2300 Highland Drive, Batesville, AR 72501, First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, 775 E. Boswell Street, Batesville, AR 72501 or the charity of your choice.
REMEMBERING HER AS A SPECIAL PERSON AND FRIEND.
Having grown up in Piggott, I remember Hope and am so sorry to hear of her passing. Mrs. Wilma Jinks thought so much of her and always so enjoyed her visits. From what I read here, Hope, throughout her life, was just as I remembered her.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Sincerely,
Louise Van Tine Pittack
Hope was such a special person who had an infectious laugh. . I was not able to attend the memorial service but her family have been in my prayers as she was her entire time of illness. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and especially her PEO sisters and bridge groups..I was privileged to be part of both.
Clint,
I am so sorry to hear about Hope's passing. I have so many fond memories of spending time with you and Hope. I am thinking about you and your family.
Stan
My dearest friend. Will miss you forever. Will keep you in my prayers. Love you. Kitty
I did not know Hope but did meet her at our BHS class reunion last year. She and I had a private conversation about my husband's poor health and some of the difficulties she had experienced in her life. When I asked her how she had lived through it, her answer indicated that she relied on help from above. . I knew then that she was a person of great faith. I am sorry for her passing. I know you have many good memories of your time with her.
Charlene Handford Barlow
Wonderful person met briefly with Bill
i taught with hope for several years. She was a good teacher. She was a sweet, kind and gentle lady.
So sorry for the loss She will be missed
How lovely it must have been to have Hope In your family. I am a friend of Hope's sister, Faith, and have heard Faith speak of her often. So sorry for your loss.
We are visiting our daughter in Berlin and cannot attend Hope's service but our prayers are for comfort for the many folks who will miss this wonderful lady. She was truly one in a million--sweet, smart, talented, generous of heart and spirit. We are crushed to be without her. Lynn Weatherman
Sorry to hear of Hope's passing. She was a fine lady and a life long friend. She is in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Spragins' passing. She was a wonderful teacher. Prayers for her family.
I remember Hope when she taught GT at Oil Trough Elem. So sorry for your loss.
We are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. May you feel God's comfort during this time of sorrow.
A wonderful teacher that went above and beyond in the gifted and talented classes she taught. She inspired creativity and left a lasting impression on my life. Thankful to have had her as a teacher. Praying for your family during this time of loss.
Sorry for your loss Clint your in my prayers
Hope was a dear friend to me when we taught together at the former Lake City Elementary. I cherished her stories and words of wisdom. She had a wide, infectious smile and a heart made of gold. I know she will be missed by her family and friends. She is with her sweet daughter, Kelly, now.
My prayers are for God to bring peace and comfort to Hope's precious family.
Clint, Patti, and Mallory- So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all!
The Berry's
You were always so kind & loving to me. May you rest in peace. Wesley thought the world of you. Prayers, peace & God bless
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Hope. Please accept our sincerest condolences. She was a lovely lady. We have fond memories of her and Dr. Spragins and their times of ministry in Pocahontas.
Bob, Netia & Rob Olvey
Prayers for your family!
So very sorry to hear of Hope's passing. She was a precious lady. Our deepest sympathy to her entire family.
Earnie & Bobbie Stallings
It was always good to visit with Hope when we worked at school and after she retired. May God comfort you in the days to come.
I was so.sorry to hear that Hope has passed. I enjoyed teaching and being in Athena Study Club with her. She will be missed.
I am praying for your family. Hope was a very special lady. She will be missed in so many ways. Please let me know if I can be of help. Thoughts and Prayers.