Jan 22, 2023

Edith Martin Sprowls was carried away by the Angels of the Lord to her Heavenly home Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in Washington Hospital, after a brief illness.

Mrs. Sprowls, 98, is now reunited with her beloved late husband, Charles, of 55 years. A daughter of the late Matthew and Mary Martin, she was a lifelong resident of Washington and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church.

Mrs. Sprowls was a graduate of Trinity High School and Penn Commercial Business School. She superbly managed Martin Lumber Company and its successor business, the Ramada Inn-Washington, together with her brothers and many family members for over 50 years. In recent years she especially enjoyed working alongside her daughter, Mary and her nephews, John Martin and Wes Evans and until recently was in her office daily. She was known as a great judge of character and an excellent business woman who was always ready to offer help and advice. She was guided by kindness and compassion, but when necessary she also wasn’t afraid to deliver a “kick in the pants.”

On September 4, 1948, she married the love of her life, Charles W. Sprowls, Jr. Until his passing in March 2004, her eyes still lit up when he walked into the room.

Her family was her first love and everyone knew the “Martin Girls,” the six sisters who shopped, dined and celebrated life all over town in their younger years. She also cherished her many vacations with her daughter and son-in-law, especially to New Orleans, Orlando and Boston.

Although the youngest of 10 children, she was the matriarch of her family and will be sorely missed by family, friends and many longtime employees. The last of her immediate family, she was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, John, Michael and Anthony J. Martin, Rose Bianco, Mallie Cowell, Florence Martin, Ann Evans, Dorothy J. Sauter and Jane M. Bamont.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Mary J. Sprowls-Harris and son-in-law, Edward J. Harris of Washington; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jeff Frame, Patty McClelland and Mary Lou Makiel.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Richard Hahn and the staff of Washington Hospital ICU, especially Nurse Kayla.

Friends and family will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 22, at Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, January 23, in Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. The family is kindly requiring masks be worn at all times in the funeral home and at church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church.

Condolences may be expressed at piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Andrew C. Piatt, director.