Shirley B. Sprinkle, 93, of Morganton, NC, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023.
Born in Buncombe County, NC on July 20, 1929, to the late Guy A. Boughman and Elsie Poteat Boughman, but grew up in Lenoir, NC. Shirley was a graduate of Mars Hill College. Along with her husband, Mrs. Sprinkle operated Sprinkle Oil Company until 1970. In 1971 she opened The Muses Book Store, one of the first businesses owned and operated by a woman in Burke County. The Muses and reading were her passions. The Muses served readers for nearly 40 years.
Shirley is survived by her children, Linda Kelly Treiber (Greg Hoff) of Morganton, Frances Tilmon (Melvin) of Atlanta, GA, and Ben D. Sprinkle (Paula) of Lenoir; grandchildren, B. Nathan Eisner (Katherine), Kyle Treiber Spencer (Richard), Kimberly Treiber, Alana Eisner, B. Daniel Sprinkle (Morgan), and Ryn Sprinkle; great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Spencer, Alexia Spencer, Ben Sprinkle, Boone Sprinkle, and Calista Spencer; sisters, Lucille Andrews and Edith Collier; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Sprinkle, III; grandson, Colin Treiber; sister, Marie Olson; and brothers, Wayne and Cecil Boughman.
Private services for Shirley will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Burke County Literacy Council, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Friends of the Burke County Public Library, 204 S. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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My sincere condolences to Mrs. Sprinkle's family. She was so helpful to the customers in the Muses bookstore. She would also allow you to just search the shelves. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Some of my fondest memories as a youth were periodic trips my family would take to Morganton. The purpose, of course, was to see Aunt Shirley and visit the Muses. After saying hi to Shirley, I could usually be found struggling to get a double handful of books to the checkout counter. SO MANY GREAT BOOKS! A full, and well-lived life has come to a close, but the many fond memories remain. Shirley, I am forever grateful for your kindness and encouragement. Kelly, Fran, Benny -- sending love to you and your families! Be well.
Shirley was a true gift to this world. Her consistent cadence and pace of life were outcomes of her fine tuned skill to create a meaningful, impactful life that had meaning every day. She invested in herself as a person through her dedication to reading and shared that passion with generations that followed. Her legacy lives on in her children, family, and the community she built during her career. She is someone I will always look up to. I’ll have to look up a little higher now!
My condolences to the family. Ms. Shirley was one of the kindest ladies I ever met. I loved going to the book store and just spending time..
Sorry for your loss. I remember going to Muse with my dad and seeing her helping everyone. RIP!!
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Shirley was such a sweet person, always a smile and positive outlook. She will be missed.
Sincerest condolences. Mrs. Sprinkle had THE BEST book shop, best reading recommendations, school/summer reading lists for our children. What an asset to our community.