Ann Grim Sparger

Ann Frazier Grim Sparger, of Salem, Virginia, completed her earthly journey and was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on June 25, 2024. Ann was born in Richlands, Virginia, on June 14, 1946, to the late Charles Frazier Grim, Jr., and Virginia Bailey Grim. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 55 years, H. Merritt Sparger, Jr., of Salem, Virginia; her daughter, Jennifer Sparger Wheeling and son-in-law David Chad Wheeling, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; her son, Jonathan Merritt Sparger, of Salem, Virginia; her precious grandchildren, Brady Merritt Sparger and Cora Grace Sparger of Salem, Virginia, and Robert Thayer Wheeling, Deven Bailey Wheeling, and Roark Winsome Wheeling of Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Many cousins and beloved friends are left to treasure Ann’s loyalty and devotion.

Ann spent her childhood in Grundy (until age 7) and Bluefield, Virginia, and graduated from Graham High School in 1964. She attended Emory & Henry College and graduated in May 1968 with a degree in English and Education. While a student at E&H, Ann was a member of Alpha Beta Chi social sorority and Kappa Delta Epsilon, a professional fraternity for educators. She also participated in intramurals, the House Council, and the Independent Caucus. Ann and Merritt met while students at Emory & Henry and married in June of 1969. Ann taught elementary school in Richmond while Merritt completed dental school at MCV. Merritt opened his dental practice in Roanoke in 1972 and they soon settled in Salem where they have remained entrenched in the community and in their church.

As a long-time, faithful member of Salem’s First United Methodist Church, her influence and work touched all age groups. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She served in the Homebound Ministry, on the Staff-Parish Committee, and on the Administrative Board. She graciously served a term as Lay Leader, and she was devoted to the missions of the United Methodist Women and the Circle #9 Soul Sisters, as well as to Seniors Keeping Young. She capably performed in many leadership roles and was a true servant in all her ministries. She made many enduring friendships with all her church duties. Ann cared deeply for the congregation as shown by the many Christmas pageant costumes she made, the decorating of the Susannah Wesley Room, and the preparation and cooking for the monthly congregational dinners. Her faith was evident in her actions.

Ann remained loyal to her alma mater, Emory & Henry College. She served as President of the E&H Alumni Association and Chair of the E&H Board of Visitors. She also was a member of the E&H Board of Trustees where she served as Chair of the Campus Life Committee and was a member of the Executive Committee. While serving as President of the Alumni Association she initiated World Wide Service Day, a day of E&H alumni helping those in need in their local communities. In 2002, Ann received the Fred Selfe Distinctive Service Award presented by the E&H Alumni Association. Ann and her family set up a scholarship in 2006, the Grim-Sparger Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Ann’s mother. This scholarship is for students from Southwest Virgina who may need financial help to attend Emory & Henry College. She loved attending the college’s summer alumni college, More Than a Vacation. She was an unabashed recruiter and helped with many fundraising events in the Roanoke area. Ann remained close to many of her college classmates. Some were even secret sisters.

Ann enjoyed a good laugh, fishing trips with Merritt, playing bridge, reading books, road trips with the Emory girls, cornhole with her neighbors, shopping, dining out with her GNO Salem friends, ACC basketball, E&H sports, and cooking for her friends and family. She was well-known as a wonderful cook, and her coconut cake was always requested for family gatherings. Ann’s true joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Family meant everything to Ann.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM on July 20, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 125 W. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Visitation with the family will be at the church prior to the service from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grim-Sparger Memorial Scholarship at Emory & Henry College, PO Box 950, Emory, Virginia 24327 or to First United Methodist Church, Family Promise Outreach Ministry, 125 W. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153

Matthew 25: 21 “Well done, Thou good and faithful servant.”