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Mrs. Robbie Nell Thornton Spry, of Center Star, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2023, at the age of 90. A native of Rogersville, Alabama, she was born to James T. Thornton and Clemmie Elaine (White) Thornton on February 26, 1932. She was a 1950 graduate of Lauderdale County High School. Robbie married her high school sweetheart, the late James Buford Spry Sr. in April, 1952, and they settled in the Center Star Community.
Robbie was a faithful wife and homemaker, supporting her husband on the family farm and in the funeral home business that bears their name. She was a loving and involved mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Known by many and loved by all, she was affectionately called “Mama Robbie”.
Robbie was well known in the community for her work. She was always ready and willing to do whatever was needed, whether it was cooking for the farm workers they employed, helping to pull calves at midnight, gardening, canning, or taking care of her family and loved ones.
As tough and strong as Robbie was, she also played as hard as she worked. She and James loved yard sales, camping, fishing, and travel. Robbie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She and James were regulars in their Loyal Saturday Night Supper group, eating with their friends at Mama Holden’s or Fat Cats.
From an early age, Robbie loved athletics. She was a cheerleader, cheering for the Lauderdale County Tigers and her true love, James when he played ball. Robbie was an avid supporter of Brooks High School Athletics. She and James had an iconic presence at football and basketball games for many decades. Robbie’s best friend Joan Jones would join them in their folding chairs as they sat under basketball goals at home games, cheering her beloved Brooks Lions to victory. She continued to cheer her whole life for her kids and grandkids on the football field, basketball court, and in life.
A life-long member of Old Mt. Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rogersville, Robbie taught many children in Sunday School and she loved her Old Mt. Bethel family dearly. She had a very simple way of encouraging her family to follow her faith. Anytime they parted company, she reminded them to “BE PARTICULAR!”
Robbie Spry was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, James B. Spry Sr.; her parents, Jim and Elaine Thornton; an infant son; sister, Mary Lois Greer (Emmett); three brothers, Austin Thornton (Kat), Elston Thornton, and Jerry Thornton.
Mrs. Spry is survived by daughters, Patricia Spry Howard (Steve) of Center Star; Marla Jo Spry (James Wilson) of Northport, Alabama; sons, James “Jimmy” Spry Jr. (Cindy) of Athens, Gregory O. Spry (Sharon) of Athens; nine grandchildren, Rita Howard Behel (Kraig), Casey Howard (Rhonda), Wesley Howard (Katie), Ashley Spry Stogner (Charlie), Jaimi Spry Wilson (Hobie), Aubrey Spry Whitlock (Brad), Macy Spry, Briar Wilson, and Stella Wilson; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Ann Parker of Rogersville; sisters-in-law Lena Thornton and Joyce Thornton of Athens; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 19th, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Spry Funeral Home of Athens. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Terry Herston officiating. Burial will follow at the Ingram/Thornton Cemetery in Thorntontown. Pallbearers are Casey Howard, Wes Howard, Patrick Parker, Briar Wilson, Stevie Corum, and Tommy Word. Honorary pallbearers include Sam Camp, Mike Parker, and Chris Tank.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following:
Brooks Athletic Booster Club, Robbie Spry Memorial Fund, 248 County Road 393, Killen, AL 35645
Old Mt. Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P.O Box 929, Rogersville, AL 35652
The family thanks the caring staff of Dr. Mitcheal Bowen and Internal Medicine Associates of Florence, Alabama. A special thank you to caregiver and friend, Charlotte Richardson.
