Katherine Marshbanks Spargo

Mary Katherine Marshbanks Spargo (called Kat by her friends) was born and grew up in Winston-Salem, NC. There she attended Reynolds High School and after graduation entered Mars Hill Junior College in Mars Hill, NC. While there she met her future husband, John Prichard Spargo. Katherine’s father was a strong believer in advanced education and after completing Mars Hill, she entered Wake Forest University, at that time located in Wake Forest, NC, where she finished her last two years earning a degree in Medical Technology. She and John were then married. Katherine and John worked and saved until he was able to enter Wheaton College in Illinois.

While living in Wheaton Katherine found employment as a housekeeper, nanny, and cook for a family that had recently returned from missionary work in China. Katherine loved children and had learned to cook from her mother and enjoyed her employment very much. The family often entertained and one of their frequent guests was Billy Graham who was also a student at Wheaton at that time. In later years she felt honored to have had the opportunity to cook the evening meals for her employer and the future Reverend Graham. Katherine’s southern cooking was loved by everyone, particularly her yeast rolls that she had learned to make from her mother. Her employer always requested them whenever they had guests.

Following John’s graduation from Wheaton, they returned to Winston-Salem where he entered Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem. Following his graduation and time in the Navy, they eventually settled in Cooleemee, NC. Katherine was an excellent mother to their three children and rarely sat down to relax. She was always cooking, making clothes, volunteering for community and church activities, and doing all the things it takes to run a household. She also ran John’s medical practice, doing whatever was needed to keep the office running smoothly and ensure patients were well cared for. She always showed a true heart of service. In her “downtime,” Katherine enjoyed helping others and was very active in the community. Some of her volunteer activities included serving on the Civic Club, assisting the Senior Citizens, and serving as treasurer of the swimming pool committee in Cooleemee. She rarely missed a PTA meeting. She was also active in the Women’s Medical Auxiliary at Rowan Memorial Hospital in Salisbury.

John and Katherine retired in 1998. Even then, they continued serving others by volunteering with Meals on Wheels. She also assisted a neighbor needing help with home dialysis and assisted with the care of a neighbor suffering from cancer.

Katherine lost her husband in 2014 but continued to enjoy the company of friends, her 3 children, their spouses, and her grandchildren as her health permitted.

She passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026 at the age of 97. She is survived by her 3 children, their spouses, grandchildren, a brother and his wife, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service for Katherine will take place March 7th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at New Philadelphia Moravian Church located at 4440 Country Club Road in Winston-Salem, NC 27104. The service will be held at the graveyard columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to A Storehouse for Jesus (675 East Lexington Rd, Mocksville 27028).

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Spargo family.