Emily Goins Spruill

Emily Goins Spruill, lovingly known as "Enny," was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Hugh and Carrie Crutchfield Goins. At the age of 91, she peacefully entered eternal rest on June 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family.

Emily attended Guilford County Schools, attending James B. Dudley High School, and later continued her education at Guilford Technical Community College (GTI).

She shared more than seventy years of marriage with her “Boo”, Nathan E. Spruill, Sr. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with five children. Their enduring partnership was grounded in faith, commitment, and unconditional love.

She joined Mount Tabor United Methodist Church as a child and was a devoted member until her health began to decline. Emily faithfully served her church family in numerous leadership and ministry roles. Her dedication touched every corner of the congregation as she served as President of the United Methodist Women (now Women of Faith), choir member, Youth Director, Usher, Finance Secretary, Chairperson of the Trustee board, member of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Chair of the Administrative Council. She was instrumental in initiating the scholarship which helped many students with funds for college. Her passion for service and gift for fundraising helped strengthen the church she loved so dearly.

Emily's greatest joy was her family. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and acceptance, where family, friends, and neighbors were always welcomed with open arms. So many affectionately referred to her as their "second mom," a testament to the love and guidance she so freely shared. She was especially proud to witness five generations of her family and embraced her role as a great-great-grandmother with immense joy. Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as the "real OG," celebrating her wisdom, strength, and enduring spirit.

Throughout her career, Emily worked for Greensboro Manufacturing (later Levi Strauss), Wire Products, and Gilbarco, from which she retired as a dedicated spot welder. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in all she did. Enny was known for her extraordinary gift of hospitality, Emily made everyone feel at home. Her house was the heart of countless gatherings and celebrations, especially during North Carolina A&T State University Homecoming weekends. Friends and family could always count on a warm meal, laughter-filled conversations, and a seat at her table. Her wit, quick humor, and memorable one-liners brought smiles to all who knew her. Many of her children's friends continued to affectionately call her "My Enny" throughout their lives.

Emily enjoyed a rich social life and was a founding member of both the Emerald Social Club and the Chi-Lite Social Club. She loved traveling with friends to football games, cheering on North Carolina A&T State University and the Washington Redskins, and was an enthusiastic Duke basketball fan. Emily was always there when needed, offering encouragement, laughter, or a ride home. She also found joy in gardening, flowers, and creating beautiful arrangements.

A woman who cared deeply about her community, Emily played a meaningful role in efforts to redraw Guilford County School District boundaries. This helped ensure that children from the Mount Tabor community could attend Greensboro City Public Schools, which were within walking distance of their homes. Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her own family and church.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan E. Spruill, parents and her beloved siblings, Kenneth Goins, Hugh Goins, Charles Goins, Fred "Jack" Goins, Magdeline Goins Rouson, Mary Ann Goins Cole, and Linda Lou Goins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Steve Spruill (Janice) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Carla M. Cole and Paula S. Robinson of Fort Washington, Maryland; Ellen Spruill of Greensboro, North Carolina; and Nathan Spruill, Jr. (Sabrina) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; her sister, Helen G. Varona of Greensboro; Godson, Darrick Crump of Greensboro; her sister-in-law, Pearline McMillian of Sanford; Grandchildren: Cerese and Anthony Garrett, Courtney McCullough- Robbs (Vance), Brandi Robinson, Ryan Robinson (Angela), Dominique Spruill, Jody Green (Tawana), Joshua Green (Gabriela), Kevin Spruill, Jeremy Green (Ashley), Sharell Spruill and Jamar Spruill; Great grandchildren: Ranard Robbins, Esaa Barber, Simone Cubbage, Shyan and Prince Spruill, Jaidyn, Jamai, Clark, and Jackson McCullough Robbs; Bianca and Brooke Robinson; Jasmin, Arrielle, and Bryce Robinson; Jabari and Jordyn Green; Joslyn Green and Liam Green and Great great grandchildren: Gizelle Robbins; Logan, Ava, and Eliana Barber and Blaire Robinson as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.

The family gratefully acknowledges Emily’s devoted caregivers, Janae Milton, Deborah Chambliss, Phyllis Greenlee, and Barbara Pass, for their patience, compassion, and loving care. They also extend sincere thanks to AuthoraCare Collective Hospice for the exceptional comfort and support provided to Emily and her family.

Emily’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, generosity, and love, and her legacy will live on in the family she cherished, the hearts she touched, and the countless lives she blessed.

Mrs. Spruill will lie in state Friday, June 26 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel. A Celebration of Life for Emily will be held at 3:00 pm at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 3100 Creek Ridge Road, Greensboro. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Emily’s memory to Mount Tabor United Methodist Church.