Mary Catherine Spratley

Mary Catherine Spratley passed away peacefully at her home in Hopewell, Virginia, on March 8, 2026. Born on June 12, 1938, to the late George Ruffin and Evelyn Ruffin Everson, she was their only child. At the age of five, she was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Charlie Everson, whose influence helped shape the caring and devoted woman she became. Mary lived a life centered on faith, family, and service to others, embodying a spirit of generosity and quiet kindness.

Mary dedicated many years to public service and hard work. She retired from Allied Chemical in Chesterfield, Virginia, in 1993 after 25 years of service. Earlier, she served the City of Hopewell as a Safety Patrol Officer and later returned in retirement as a bus monitor, where she lovingly supported special needs children. In her spare time, she cared for many children in the community as a trusted babysitter, becoming a beloved figure to countless families.

A faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Prince George, Virginia, Mary actively participated in several church auxiliaries. She especially cherished Fourth Sunday services and took great joy in watching the youth lead worship. Her generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her seven devoted children: sons William Spratley (Angeline) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Wayne Spratley of Clearfield, Utah; Mark Spratley of Lithia, Georgia; and Pernell Spratley of Smyrna, Georgia; and daughters Angela Thomas (Edward), Maria Spratley, and Vernell Spratley, all of Hopewell, Virginia. She is also lovingly remembered by 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves four nephews, seven nieces, her beloved aunt and uncle Irene Davis of Petersburg, Virginia, and Herbert Everson (Louise) of Baltimore, Maryland, two devoted godsons, Eddie Dale and family of Maryland, and two devoted goddaughters, Nancy Hardy and Landrea Pack. Mary’s life was enriched by many dear friends, including Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Jones and their family, Carolyn Draughn, Alease Johnson, Lola Rowland, Marcella Sherman, Leanne Lee, Ms. Sample, Rosemary James, Sabrina Burton, Patsy Freeman, and a host of other relatives and loved ones. Her warm heart and acts of kindness will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.