Emma Lou Spruiel went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was born on April 15, 1925, in Pitt County, North Carolina to the late Johnny and Willard Griffin.

In 1943, Emma graduated from Bethel High School in Bethel, North Carolina and received her Beautician's License from Deshazer Beauty School in Durham, North Carolina in 1944.

Emma was married to the late Dan Spruiel. They had six children: surviving children, Anthony Spruiel and Pamela Snowden; deceased children: Linda Spruiel, Barbara Hall, Melvin Spruiel, and Vivian Coles. Emma and Dan spent most of their lives in North Carolina, but in 1946, they moved to Virginia and made Newport News their home.

Emma joined Medley Chapel Methodist Church in Bethel, North Carolina in her youth. After moving to Newport News, she joined First Baptist Church East End in 1958.  She was a faithful member of FBCEE even though her health began to decline. She was Vice President of the Service Board, Treasurer of the Missionary Ministry, and Secretary of the Golden Key Ministry. In addition, she was a member of the 50 Plus Club at Second Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia. Her love for gardening and flowers created an opportunity for Emma to join the Ever Blooming Garden Club so that she could perfect her beautiful flowers at her home.

God blessed Emma with many talents and gifts.  She was a tailor for Fines Men's Shop and Gent's Men's Shop. In fact, she made all of her clothes, and was known as one of the best seamstresses in the Newport News area. After retirement, Emma worked at home doing alterations, knitting, crocheting, working with ceramics, and basically creating beautiful art with her hands. She also enjoyed cooking, especially baking cakes and pies.

Emma was a pillar in her community and was recognized by having a tree planted in her honor at the Newsome House on 28th Street and Oak Avenue in Newport News, Virginia. Additionally, she has her name inscribed on the wall at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Newport News as well. To highlight her life, she was a Board member on the Neighborhood Council and in 1996, she wrote a book: The Emma Spruiel Story. In 2015, Emma was given the Newport News Lifelong Citizenship Award, which honors the residents of Newport News over the age of ninety for their dedicated service to the community.

Emma leaves to cherish her memory her son, Anthony Spruiel (Doreen) and daughter, Pamela Snowden (Calvin); sister, Doris Dixon and brother, Lewis Griffin; eleven grandchildren; great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and dear friends.  She was predeceased by her brothers: John Henry Griffin, George Griffin, and Burnest Griffin; sisters, Thelma Barnhill and Margaret Lloyd.

Final Care Arrangements are as follows:  Viewing will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2025 at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA.  Family visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service on Friday at the church.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.