Barbara Joan “Nixon” Sprong
1935-2012
Barbara Joan “Nixon” Sprong ended her courageous battle with Parkinson disease on June 26, 2012 to join her Lord and Savior. Barbara was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on July 2, 1935 to Leroy and Lillian Nixon. She was a graduate of Central High School and Northwest Missouri State University.
Barbara was a pioneer in improving education and health services in St. Joseph, Missouri. She served on numerous boards and was the founder of many programs, aimed at helping youth and women in St. Joseph, many of which are still in operation today. Barbara was a deacon at Wyatt Park Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother and “Gamy”.
Her parents; and her daughter, Laura Katherine Sprong, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Gerald “Jerry” Sprong, her daughter, Lisa Sprong Norton (Robert), her twin sons Brad (Gisele) and Doug (Kathleen) Sprong, her two brothers, Ron (Gloria) and Dick (Linda) Nixon, six grandchildren; Lynsey Whitacre, Karley Sprong, Amelia Sprong, Hunter Sprong, John Sprong, and Celia Sprong, and hundreds of friends, mentees and supporters.
The family would like to acknowledge the incredible caregivers for Barbara: Thelma, Mary and Betty. Betty especially was an amazing part of Barbara’s battle and our appreciation for her is tremendous.
Barbara’s children would like to thank Jerry Sprong for the dedication and commitment he showed to Barbara during her courageous 10-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Marriage is about commitment and love. Jerry’s actions were louder than any words one could say.
Celebration of Life 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Wyatt Park Baptist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests gifts made to Wyatt Park Baptist Church or the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.
Offer Condolence for the family of Barbara Joan “Nixon” Sprong
Dear Jerry,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Barbara’s death. Parkinson’s disease is a long slow path to the end, and I know that your entire family have suffered a great loss. I remember you and Barbara both being very vivatious individuals, I admired both of you.
You and your family have my deepest sympathy, my prayers and thoughts.
With my love.
Wayne
Dear Jerry and Lisa,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved wife and mother. Barbara was a beautiful, kind and giving lady. She’ll be missed by many.
Lisa
Dear Jerry – Though our lives touched only briefly at certain times, I admired and enjoyed Barbara so much and I’m saddened by her illness and death. I know many will miss her.
Marva
We offer our condolences to you, Jerry, and your entire family in the loss of Barbara. Ten years was a long time to be suffering. We ask the Lord to send peace and comfort to all.
Love,
Warren and Sheila Enright Hickerson
Jerry, Remembering you during this important time.
Ron
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
With deepest sympathy for Doug Sprong and family…..
To the Sprong family: Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Barbara. She was a very amazing woman.
We extend to all our love and sympathy. Sorry we will not be able to be there.
Jerry and Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Barbara was a very well respected person in the community and the church. I also admire Jerry for so patiently taking care of Barbara these past years.
To the Sprong family-
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Barb was one of the greatest souls we ever knew. What a representative for Christ! Paul told us to be Christ’s “resume” while on earth. She truly was. God Bless.
To the Sprong family -
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Barbara was a lovely woman. Even though it has been years since I lived in St. Joe, I still remember her kindness toward me. May the outpouring of love during this time provide you comfort. God bless.
Barbara’s vision for life, servant leadership, enthusiasm and loving nature touched a community of people and will long be remembered. Sending my love and deepest sympathy at her passing.
Jerry and family,
I was so very sorry to read of Barbara’s
passing and hope you will accept my sincere sympathy.
Our lives touched only occasionally after Carolyn and I left William Jewell but I remember Barbara as a gentle but strong lady whose judgements could be trusted. More than once I thought how fortunate you were to have such a life’s partner. There were seldom opportunities to visit with the children but I do remember how much
she loved them through their growing up days.
You will be in my prayers in the days just ahead.
Dan Lambert
I send my sincere sympathy to the entire Sprong family in your loss. I know how devoted Barbara was to Jesus Christ and to serving Him and how devoted she was to her family. Ray had told me of her illness and I was saddened to learn of it. She will be missed, but I pray you will find comfort in the promises of our Lord and in knowing that Barbara is without pain and is at peace.
I have enjoyed knowing Barbara since the 3rd grade at Hall School thru the Class of 1953 at Central. May God send His Comforter to solace all of you.
Sprong Family,
We are so sorry for your lose. Barbara was always such a joy to be around. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Jerry and family: Linda and I wish to offer our sincere sympathy. When I heard of Barbara’s passing I told Linda and she said that for some reason Barbara was on her mind! We didn’t get to know Barbara as much as we got to know Jerry from his days in Manhattan KS. But the times we did get to meet her was so enjoyable. Such a truly remarkable and down to earth lady. As Jerry would always say, he married above his station! Please know that she, Jerry and the Sprong family are in our prayers. We know she is now in heaven with Jesus at peace. God Bless. Dick and Linda Wertzberger
Our celebration of Independence Day and our freedom is a wonderful time to realize that Barbara’s passing was her entrance into true freedom and life in Christ. For thirty years she was a light in our lives in so many ways and so many roles. We cherish the kind, loving and thoughtful lady she always was in our lives. From Hap Nixon to her to you God raised up generations of believers who have literally helped in His work of changing the world. She was a shining light, faithful witness and true servant for Him. For us, she was the best example we ever knew of a woman who was just “a good person” in everything she did and how she treated others. We will never forget her.
You are in our thoughts & prayers at this time. Barbara was a lovely lady & a delight to meet. With deepest sympathy Bridget & Eileen McCombe
Barbara was a special friend from the time I meant her in college and we became roommates. Those days were much enjoyed, as were the many times we shared trips, visits and phone calls from that time til now. Rex and I both send our love and share in the sadness experienced by Barbara’s passing. Jerry was a wonderful caregiver and hus band, always havig Barbara’s needs and interests first and foremost. With love and sympathy to Jerry and his family. Jean and Rex Stuck
What a wonderful person to have met a number of years ago. She is everything we all hope to be. God bless all her family and close friends. Sincerely, Linda Poe
Jerry, words can not express the feelings that ‘came over me’ when hearing of Barbara’s passing. What a loss! Jerry, you, better than anyone knows of the wonderful person Barbara truly was. The two of you really did seem ‘as one’. I see her in my mind’s eye; and I know that God will continue to use her memories implanted in those Barbara touched. Barbara was truly instumental in helping many. As a Christian couple, you two were true Disciples of Christ. Individually, each of you mentored, taught, instructed, and modeled what true Christian lives mean. I so respect you, Jerry, for the continued and never-ending care you gave Barbara. I understand that it was not easy. I know God has a plan for each of us. He is in control. You contine to show your obedience to God and the direction of faith he wants you to share with others. Jerry, may God continue to be near you, bless you, and comfort you as you accept this loss. I love you, Jerry; and will keep you and family in my thoughts and prayers. By faith alone we must accept God’s plan. nlm
Jerry,
Our family forwards its sincerest sympathy and prayers to you and yours during this time. Barbara was a guiding light during her life and set the purest example of how to live as a kind, caring, and thoughtful person who was never satisfied with the status quo when it came to helping others in need and for the cause of making our world better.
Jerry-
I was very saddened to hear the news of Barbara’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
I followed Barbara’s contributions to Saint Joseph and her civic devotion as I grew up. She was an amazing role model of a woman who succeeded in multiple areas of her life and enjoyed them all in the process. I’m so glad that I had the chance to see her again, several years ago, at my brother’s reception. I will hold that memory close, and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Family,
What a powerful positive impression Barbara made on me when I was a teenager and did child care for Lisa, Brad and Doug. Driving to all those lessons was fun.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Your in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Janet