Obituaries

Mary Jane Spurgeon Prewit

Photo of Mary Jane Spurgeon Prewit
Mary Jane Spurgeon Prewit, loving wife, devoted mother, treasured friend and caring teacher passed from this world, May 5, 2014. Mary Jane Spurgeon was born March 5, 1934 in Frankfort, Indiana to Arthur J. Spurgeon and Helen Carter Spurgeon. After graduating from Frankfort High School, Mary Jane attended Indiana University, Bloomington where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gama. Upon graduating IU, Mary Jane moved to San Diego, California to begin her teaching career. While in San Diego, she met Jerry Prewit who was stationed at the San Diego Naval Station. Mary Jane and Jerry married August 3, 1958 and remained together until her passing. After short stints in Austin, Texas, Birmingham, Ala., Memphis, Tenn. and Nashville, Tenn., Mary Jane and Jerry moved to Little Rock, Ark. in 1967. Mary Jane continued her education at UALR, earning a Master in Education with an emphasis in Reading. She completed her Masters degree with a perfect 4.0 grade point. She taught reading for 28 years in the LRSD, 17 years at Central High School She viewed teaching at historic Central High as a career highlight. She helped design the Secondary Learning Lab Curriculum Guide and served on the LRSD improvement committee at the request of the superintendent. Mary Jane was respected and admired by her fellow teachers and adored by her students because she cared for her students both inside the classroom and out and never gave up on them. She enjoyed seeing former students after they left Central and began their lives as young adults. Following her retirement from teaching, Mary Jane volunteered at the Clinton Presidential Library where she enjoyed meeting visitors from all over the world. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Anne. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, son Mark of Little Rock, son, Wesley his wife, Katie and two precious granddaughters, Emily and Madalyn of Lonoke, and her sister, Martha Ann Fisher (Hugh) and niece, Julie (Ted) McKinney of Indianapolis. Mary Jane will be remembered for her caring attitude and dry wit. Mary Jane will be missed by her family, sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, for women educators and many, many friends, students and care-givers. The family would like to thank all of their wonderful friends who have been so helpful and loving. Mary Jane was blessed to have great friends and fellow Grace Presbyterian Church members like Tad and Judy Krug, with their herculean endeavors to provide aid and comfort to Mary Jane and Jerry. Also, Sandy Thomas and Betty Winter among others for their faithful and tireless efforts. Neighbors, like Mary Anne and Guy Campbell, Jim and Ann Ivey who helped so much, especially these last few years. Also, the Central High Lunch Bunch who meant so much to Mary Jane. Thanks to all of you. Memorial service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church where Mary Jane was a faithful and serving member until her health prevented her from attending. Service will be at 10 am Thursday, May 8, followed by a reception at the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Mary Jane to Grace Presbyterian Church, 9301 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72227.

Published May 7, 2014

Upcoming Events