Jannett Sprayberry Pritchard

She was born in Conroe, Texas to parents Claude and Lillian Sprayberry and had two brothers. Claude Jr. and Guy Sprayberry, both of them preceded her in death. She is survived by Gene, her husband of 60 years, son Mark and wife Janet Pritchard and their daughters Kelsey and Caitlin, daughter Paula and husband Richard Rees and their daughters Jennifer and Katie, and daughter Laura and husband Don Wyne and their children Sarah and Greg, sister Jane Hutchison, sister-in-law Uki Sprayberry, niece Fay and husband Heme Ramdass and niece Mary Sprayberry.

She met Gene Pritchard and they married in December of 1951. They soon moved from Conroe to Hobbs, New Mexico, where she worked for Exxon Oil Company and Gene worked for Halliburton. After the children were born they moved to Copperas Cove, Texas, as owners of Western Auto Store.

Jannett always told stories about exploring for forest around her rural home as a child in Conroe. Her favorite memories were seeing the first cardinals and robins returning for the spring. She also remembered fields of wild flowers. Her early love of nature is still reflected in the peaceful backyard of her home, where she has bird feeders and flowers growing. Her back patio was her peaceful place, especially in the spring.

Jannett started taking night classes when her children were very small. She had a desire to be an elementary teacher for many years. Her husband encouraged her to take classes, and it meant studying many long hours after the kids were sleeping. She continued to go to school part time while helping run the family business in Copperas Cove. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mary Hardin Baylor with a degree in Elementary Education in 1971. She made all A’s, with the only exception being a B in tennis. She continued going to college, and received a Master of Education as a Reading Specialist from Baylor University and later a Master’s Certification as a school counselor from Tarleton State University. She retired after 31 years’ service as a teacher and counselor in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. She was also active in Delta Kappa Gamma and the Retired Teachers Association.

Jannett was a long-standing member of the Grace United Methodist Church Family, where she volunteered in many different capacities. She was a regular helping with refreshments in Vacation Bible School, taught children’s Sunday School classes and was a Lay Person who served as a Stephen Minister. More recently she taught an adult Sunday School class and was a member of the Monday Bible Study Group.

The Pritchard family will receive guests for a time of visitation from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Grace United Methodist Church in Copperas Cove with Pastor Stephen Schmidt officiating. Interment services will follow in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 101 West Avenue F., Copperas Cove, Texas or to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Jannett’s friends and church family for their love and support during her illness.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove.