Melanie “Mel” Young Gurley Sprinkle 83, of Marion, NC, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, April 26th, 2025.

Born September 5th, 1941, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Mabel Seagle Young and Fred Johnson Young.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Scottie Sprinkle; brother, C. David Young and her brother-in-law, Mark Hensley.

Mel was the first of ten children and helped to raise her siblings. She was an incredible mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved babies and all children and babysat for many of her nieces and nephews who subsequently called her “Nana Mel”. She enjoyed fishing, canning, baking, coloring, and doing needle work which she often shared with her family. In her later years, her favorite past time was sitting on the front porch watching the birds. Mel was an incredibly strong woman as she dealt with poor health for many years with not only grace but also with a deep faith. She was beloved by all and adored as the matriarch of her big family. She set a beautiful example for them and leaves a legacy of pure love.

She is survived by her son, Danny Gurley (Carolyn) of Rutherfordton, NC; daughters, Rachel Paige Nichols (David) of Marion, and Karen Bryant (Larry) of Burnsville; step-daughter, Sundee Hughes ( Paul) of Marion; six sisters, Donna Dutton (Marshall) of Hickory, Peggy Clinard of Hickory, Rachel Johnson (Donnie) of Hickory, Angel Bray (Gary) of Hickory, Elizabeth (Squeaky) Hensley of Danville, VA, and Rebecca Justice (Lyle) of Marion; two brothers, John Young (Rosemary) of Hickory, Freddie Young of Hickory; grandchildren, Capen Bryant (Crystal), Austin Bryant, and Emma  Gurley; step-grandchildren, Noah White, Maris White, Reagan Hughes; and great-grandchildren, Caitlin Bryant and Chloe Bryant.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at South Marion Pentecostal Holiness Church, 210 Parkers Chapel Rd. Marion, NC 28752, officiated by Pastor John Pruett.

Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to South Marion Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the family of Mrs. Sprinkle.