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May 23, 1923 – September 23, 2024

East Lake, NC – Minnie Louise Spruill (affectionately known to many as “Miss Nookie”), age 101, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, in East Lake, NC. She was born on May 23, 1923, in Elizabeth City, NC, to Mary Crisp Taft Ambrose and Ephraim Lloyd Taft, and lived a long and fulfilling life marked by dedication to her faith, family, and work.

Minnie served her community as a postmaster, retiring after many years of service. She also held dear her position as the manager of the East Lake Cemetery. She was a devoted member of the East Lake Holiness Church, where her faith and commitment in God were evident to all who knew her. Until her sickness, she was a constant at church services and other functions, including Homecomings. Minnie will be remembered for her unwavering love and dedication to her family and friends. She always had a kind word and a full kitchen table. She loved to cook and was well known for her cakes and chicken pastry. You never left her home hungry, and if there were a need in the community, she would show up with food. She loved working in her yard, tending to her garden and her flowers. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Nathaniel Spruill; cherished daughters, Violet Cahoon and Alma Basnight; sisters, Margaret Dowdy and Elizabeth Sawyer; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and her parents.

Minnie is survived by her daughters, Marian Niser of Creswell and Dianne Wilson of East Lake; her son, Thomas Spruill of Gumneck; special grandchild, Cassie Basnight of East Lake (she raised her as one of her own); seventeen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; twenty-nine great-great-grandchildren; and four great-great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Her legacy lives on through her extensive family and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo. Burial followed at East Lake Cemetery. The family will received friends and relatives Friday evening, September 27 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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