Emily Evans Spriggs

Emily Evans Spriggs, age 86, passed away peacefully in her home on March 2, 2026, in Springfield, Ohio. Born on March 6, 1939, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Emily lived a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to her family and community. Emily graduated from Jackson High School in 1957 and pursued her passion for education at Rio Grande College, earning her degree in Education in 1961. She later achieved a Master’s Degree from Wright State University. Her commitment to learning and teaching left a lasting impact on those she encountered throughout her life. Emily taught for over 30 years, the majority of which was at Possum Middle School. Further, she participated in Ohio Reads after retiring. Emily also was a 4-H leader for her children and friends and neighbors for many years.

She is survived by her loving children: daughter Kathy (Spriggs) Herzog and sons Kris Spriggs and Kevin (Lori) Spriggs. Emily was the proud grandmother of eight granddaughters who were her pride and joy: Sophia Spriggs, Olivia Herzog , Eden Spriggs, Meredith Herzog, Claire Spriggs, Stella Spriggs, HadleySpriggs, and Madelyn Spriggs. She is also survived by her beloved sister Loretta Heigle and brother-in-law Dave Heigle. Nieces Judy Reigel, Nancy Jenkins, Elizabeth Frisby, Amanda Spriggs and Sarah Heigle. Nephews David (Kathy) Heigle and Brian Spriggs as well as numerous cousins and Friends. Emily was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Allen Spriggs; her parents Ben Evans and Helen Arthur Evans; her stepmother Margaret Evans; and her cherished in-laws Doris and Cliff Stevens, Carol and Paul Coyan, Eddie and Carol Spriggs, and Don and Joyce Spriggs and nephews Mark and Marlin Russell and Edward Spriggs.

Emily’s life was enriched by her many passions. She found immense joy in supporting her sons basketball careers during high school and at Wittenberg University. Her love for the game continued as she faithfully attended games coached by her son Kris over his 30-year coaching career at Kenton Ridge High School and Greenon High School. It is estimated that Emily watched over 1,000 basketball games - a testament to her unwavering support for those she loved. A talented seamstress with a gift for creating beauty through fabric, Emily enjoyed sewing often with close friends for many years. In her later years, she discovered a love for quilting and crafted many exquisite quilts by hand. Her creativity extended beyond sewing as she also enjoyed playing cards regularly with the same group of friends for many years.

Emily was deeply rooted in her faith as an active member of Northminster Church. She served faithfully, most recently as a Deacon and participated in the Esther Circle for many years. Her strong Christian faith guided her throughout life and brought comfort to those around her. Known for her loving nature, generosity, kindness, and remarkable ability to connect with others through conversation—Emily truly never met a stranger. Her warmth touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of compassion that will be cherished by all who knew her. May Emily’s memory bring comfort to those who loved her as they celebrate the remarkable life she lived—a life filled with love for family, devotion to faith, and joy in the simple pleasures of friendship and community.

Calling hours will be held on March 7, 2026, from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Northminster Presbyterian Church 400 Villa Rd in Springfield OH. Service immediately following calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Northminster Church in Springfield Ohio