Ann Browning Sprinkle

Ann Browning Sprinkle, August 11, 1926 — November 17, 2024

A lifelong resident of Washington County, VA, Ann Browning Sprinkle taught school for 37 years and had an uncanny ability to remember every student she taught and details about them.

She was a longtime member of Green Spring Presbyterian Church and a dedicated congregant and teacher at Watauga Chapel in its Sunday School days.

She was particularly proud of Watauga’s Gospel Singing. She was an avid reader, devouring books of all genres and a fervent lover of Jumble and crossword puzzles — a passion she shared with her late, identical twin, Ruby. When the twins retired from teaching, they were often seen on their faithful walks on the Creeper Trail, rain or shine.

“Annie,” as she was called by many, was whip-smart, curious, clever, funny, directed, generous beyond measure. She treasured her deep friendships, travels and road trips —with Winona Hilt and her Browning sisters, with Barbara Mann and Sherry Dalton. At 88, she got a passport and enjoyed trips to the Bahamas and Mexico, where she recalled Spanish from Montreat and Flora Macdonald Colleges and amazed us accordingly.

She was known for her renowned memory, remembering more than we sometimes wished for her to recall. She held in her head formidable poems recited by her mother, Clara; and

long soliloquies learned at school. She was as adept at Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson as she was knowing entire country music lyrics and NASCAR stats. She was a storyteller. A repeat storyteller. A thinker. She was quick-witted. There were classic stories told and retold, each with rich detail. We always wanted to hear them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edd and Clara Thayer Browning; her beloved Browning siblings — Mary, Tivis, John, Pauline and Ruby; husband, Leighton; son, Steve. She is survived by her son, Jim (Barbara) and daughter, Mary Ann (Michele Brennan). She was enormously proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Mike (Brandalyn) and child Lauren; Wesley (Amy) and children Sophia and Avery; Joshua (Erin) and children Eila, John, Eliza, Samuel, Benjamin, and Summer; Crystal Davisson (Jeff) and children Wyatt, Alex, Gemma, and Jace James; Sylvia; Bethany Sprinkle Hardwidge (Tom); and Sarah (Kyle Hartwick). She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

There are things Annie would want us to consider. She would say we should live big, boldly, that we should relish special moments. She would suggest we should always order the filet mignon and never leave a bite on the plate. She would say to splurge on occasion. Stay up later than you should if the book is worth it. Have the ice cream cone. Give to charities that matter to you. Adopt a cat at 95. And another at 97 ½. She would ask us to be fair, equitable, supportive, considerate. To add salt. Take naps. Try Mexican Coca-Cola. Live life fully and with gusto.

The family extends its deep gratitude to Patty and David McCall, Susie and the late Eddie McConnell, Barbara Mann, Sherry Dalton, Chester Moore, Cathy and Stephen Lowe, Sandra Tignor, Gay Leonard, Susan Lowry, Mary Jane Crosby, Claudia Sprinkle, Rev. Deidra L. Crosby and the nurses and staff at English Meadows and Caris Healthcare. With particular thanks to Steve, Michele and Rebecca at Caris Healthcare and Melissa, Loretta (whom she taught in the 4th grade) and Santanna at English Meadows.

The memorial service for Ann Browning Sprinkle will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Green Spring Presbyterian Church, 22007 Green Spring Church Rd,

Abingdon, VA 24211. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any remembrances be given to Watauga Chapel

Sunday Evening Gospel Singing Services, in memory of Ann Browning Sprinkle. Gifts may be sent to Green Spring Presbyterian Church at the aforementioned address.

Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services, is honored to serve the family of Ms. Sprinkle.