JoAnn Johnston Sprink

It is with deep sadness that the family of JoAnn Sprink announces her passing on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from natural causes. She is survived by a sister, Judy Hanks (Jerry), two daughters, Laura Harmon (Glen) and Stephanie Spranza (Thomas), a granddaughter, Catherine Stewart Stearns (Aaron), and a step-grandson, Jared Spranza. Mrs. Sprink has four step-great-grandsons: Silas, Colby, Austin, and Levi Spranza. She has two nephews and a niece, all of whom are married with several children.

JoAnn was born on October 28, 1936, to John Calloway Johnston and Annie Mae Sloop in North Wilkesboro, NC. JoAnn learned from an early age the value of faith, thrift, and hard work from the strong women in her family. She was blessed in her teens with a used stand-up piano and weekly lessons from a wonderful lady she often talked about. JoAnn thought about becoming a music educator when she went to Women’s College in Greensboro, NC. She obtained her certificate in Secretarial and Accounting in 1955. Then on a blind date, she met a handsome young sailor from Ohio named Bob Sprink… They married in 1956. When JoAnn and Bob bought their first home in Winston-Salem, that stand-up piano moved with them. Love of music always filled that home.

Mrs. Sprink was an employee of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for thirty-two years, beginning as a stenographer, and eventually becoming Customer Service Manager for Export Services. She traveled on behalf of the company and became a forerunner in the art of diplomacy. During her later years at R.J.R., Mrs. Sprink served as President of the local chapter of the Triad World Trade Commission. JoAnn was also Business Manager of Little Theater of Winston-Salem from May of 1971 until August 1972.

JoAnn’s personal interests were gardening, dancing, music, singing, sewing, cooking, and golfing. JoAnn was well known for her love of football, especially the Pittsburg Steelers, and eventually the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved every shade of purple and had a smile for everyone she met. She was well-known and loved at Arbor Acres nursing home and was called the “Queen of Arbor Acres” because she knew everyone and how to practically run the place.  “Jo” was fortunate to be able to continue to sing and dance in her electric chair at Arbor Acres until she was called Home. Her contagious bright smile, brilliant blue eyes, and love of life will be truly missed.

JoAnn’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 6 at noon at Hayworth-Miller on Silas Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem. Her remains will be placed at mausoleum niche level 3, number 25 at Forsyth Memorial Park on Peters Creek Parkway. In lieu of flowers or plants, please make donations to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice of Winston-Salem or to the Forsyth Humane Society.