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In Loving Memory of Nathalie Yvonne Spraggins (1956–2025)

Nathalie Yvonne Spraggins was born on March 23,1956, to the late Robert Johnson Spraggins Sr. and Annie Louise Spraggins in Memphis, Tennessee. Today we celebrate her 69 years of life. She passed away on June 7, 2025. A devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. We will always remember her giving heart and unwavering faith. God was the center of her life. Nathalie accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN under the leadership of Pastor Q.C. Billops, Sr. later served under Pastor O.C. Collins, Jr. She remained a lifelong member engaging with the Youth and Young Adult Choir and serving as the Assistant Primary Sunday School Teacher along the way. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active participant and found joy in worship and fellowship. As a member of Adamant Chapter #7 Order of Eastern Stars, Nathalie served her community. Nathalie's deep faith guided her daily actions and instilled in her a profound sense of compassion, humility, and service to others.

Nathalie attended Northside High School in Memphis,TN and graduated with the Class of 1974.  After finishing school, Nathalie started her career working at her true calling in the funeral service ministry by joining the staff of N.H. Owens & Son Funeral Home in Memphis, TN. She dedicated 30 years of service to N.H. Owens & Son – an establishment known for its century-long commitment to providing outstanding service to Memphis families and she filled many roles there, doing a bit of everything to support grieving families, including serving as a licensed pre-need specialist. Nathalie continued her vocation at E.H. Ford Mortuary Services. At E.H. Ford, she carried on serving with the same compassion and dignity. Additionally, she worked with the Shelby County Health Department, where she contributed to the department's mission "to promote, protect and improve the health of ALL in Shelby County". In her 35 years with the Health Department, she worked diligently in public service, embodying a spirit of care and dedication to the well-being of others. She also served as a notary public and licensed insurance agent. Throughout her career, whether in public health or in funeral service, Nathalie was a true pillar of support to those around her, always ready to help and comfort others during their most difficult times.

As a neighbor and friend, Nathalie's presence was a gift to everyone in her life. She always took care of people in her neighborhood, whether it was cooking a meal for EVERYONE on Sundays (a legacy passed down for generations), or keeping an open door and offering a listening ear,
she was someone others could always count on. Many in the Smokey City community affectionately knew her as "Ms. Nat" and she looked out for and took care of everyone. Nathalie was also known to "fuss" at those she loved when she thought they needed guidance or a push in the right direction, but it was always understood that her fussing came from a place of love.

She would definitely set you straight! Friends and family often smile recalling how she might scold them about taking their medicine or doing the right thing, then immediately follow it with a hug or a plate of food. Nathalie's genuine care and tough-love approach endeared her to all and left a lasting impression on countless lives in her community.

Above all, Nathalie treasured her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and a matriarchal figure who held the family together with love. Nathalie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Johnson Spraggins Sr. and Annie Louise Spraggins, as well as her brother, Amos Archie Spraggins.

She is survived by her sisters, Anita Louise Williamson (Lloyd) and Brenda Joyce Spraggins, and by her brother Robert Johnson Spraggins Jr., Nathalie was the loving aunt of Vincent Lloyd Williamson, Kimberly Dawn Spraggins, Erika Denise Spraggins, Lakisha Rashunda Barrett, Constance Marie Williamson, and Robert Keterrio Spraggins. She also cherished her many great-nieces and great-nephews and even two great-great-nieces.

Nathalie is additionally mourned by her dear cousins who were raised alongside her as close as siblings – Jacqueline Thomas, Alfreda Williams, Sterling Edwards, and Ralph Edwards, who were raised in the same household and remained as close as siblings throughout her life and special friends Darcelle Herron and Sandra Jones. She leaves behind a large extended family, a beloved church family, the Smokey City neighborhood and numerous friends who will forever miss her bright smile, her kind heart, and her comforting presence.

From an early age, Nathalie's family instilled in her values of love, faith, and togetherness which became guiding principles in her life.

While her family and friends mourn her passing, they also celebrate the beautiful life she lived. Nathalie's memory will continue to inspire kindness and devotion in all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, and her spirit will remain in our hearts forever. Her passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew her, but the beautiful legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire and comfort her family and community.

May she rest in heavenly peace, knowing that she made a difference in this world and that her love continues to resonate in the lives of those she left behind. Never Would Have Made It was one of her favorite songs. We hope that she knew that so many people that she touched feel
that they would have never made it without her love and impact. Let us all remember to keep her memory alive in the way we love and serve one another.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." – Psalm 28:7