Obituary of Emily Ida Sprawls Rountree

Emily Ida Sprawls Rountree passed away on January 10, 2022. Born on October 10, 1939 in Williston, SC, Emily was the daughter of the late Neva Mathis Sprawls and Perry Sprawls, Sr.  

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Aubrey Eugene Rountree. She is survived by her five daughters: Dana Andrassy Lanigan (John), Julie Ann Durnford (Shawn), Gina Claire Hammond (Mark), Emily Maria Rountree, and Amy Carol Rountree (Jeff Eichhorn); fourteen grandchildren: Christopher Luke and Bennett Andrassy; Morgan and Anna Durnford; Nicholas and Perry Jordan Hammond; Ally, Jack, and Carl Monts; Mathis, Bailey, Perry Lou, Mamie, and Emmie Eichhorn; two brothers: Perry Sprawls, Jr (Charlotte) and William Richard (Dick) Sprawls (Cecelia) and lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Annie Jo Sanders (Vernon). She is predeceased by her son-in-law, Christopher Andrassy.

From an early age, Emily had a love of learning that continued throughout her life. She graduated Valedictorian from Williston-Elko High School in 1957 and with honors from the University of South Carolina in 1961. Whether helping her daughters with homework, reading books tirelessly to her grandchildren or teaching four-year old preschool, she always shared her love of learning and her belief in the importance of education. From sewing, gardening, cooking, and reading, she had many interests and was rarely found sitting still for long. A softspoken woman, she led by example and with constant patience.

Her love of Jesus Christ was expressed and shared through her many activities. She taught Sunday School Class for over thirty years and Vacation Bible School for many years. She participated in the after school Good News Club and Lunch Buddy program at a local elementary school. She was a wonderful seamstress and shared her skills in a mentor program teaching young girls to sew. Along with her sweet smile and gentle way, she will always be remembered for her love and care for others.

 

Her family would like to thank Valerie and Tiffany Harris, Lisa McManus and Kim Fussell for their years of support and care. We would also like to thank the staff at Carol Campbell Place. A private burial with family will be held on January 22, 2022, at Woodridge Memorial Garden.  Memorials to benefit the children of Epworth Children’s Home may be made online or by sending your donation to: Epworth Children’s Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250.