Marlene Joyce Sprinkle

Marlene Joyce Sprinkle, a beloved member of the Southaven community, gracefully departed this world on July 2, 2025. Born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, on October 10, 1937, Marlene exuded tenacity and strength throughout her life, embodying qualities that endeared her to many.

As Southaven's first truly dedicated City Clerk, Marlene dedicated two decades of her life to public service, where her high standard of morality and commitment to conduct inspired those around her. Her eloquence was not merely found in her words but in her actions, demonstrating a firm resolve and an unwavering sense of honesty.

Marlene cherished moments spent traveling with her family; she possessed the unique ability to make the best of every situation, particularly when it came to those long journeys with her husband, Olen Ray Sprinkle, whose immovable nature on the road became legendary. The warmth of Christmas held a special place in her heart, transforming each holiday into a grand celebration embraced with love and joy.

Her strong ties to her family in England remained significant, even as she established her life in the United States, where she is greatly missed. Marlene was a mother who wouldn’t let her children go to bed without a meal, always ensuring they had something to eat that appealed to their tastes. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the household as she garnered a fondness for supporting the Sunrise Home for Girls (now called Impact Missions, Inc.), and proudly participated in the Red Hat Society, revealing her vibrant zest for life.

Among her many pursuits, Marlene enjoyed aerobics, tea parties at precisely 2:00 PM, and diligently studying mental health books, showcasing her desire for self-improvement and well-being. She took great pride in surviving the trials of military life alongside Ray during the Korean and Vietnam wars, a testament to her remarkable resilience and strength.

Marlene's faith grew as she attended Southaven Methodist Church, where her daughter, Lisa, was married, and she invested her time, talents, and treasures to the church to minister to others.

Marlene leaves behind her loving sons, David Sprinkle (Debbey) and Gary Sprinkle (Jean Perdicaris). Her legacy lives on through her eight grandchildren, Ashley, Drew, Dawlton, Emily, Anna-Claire, Caroline, Sarah, Emma, and Carter, as well as her great-grandchildren, Maitland and Pilot. She also shared familial bonds with her siblings: Beryl Puffett, Clifford Puffett, Dennis Puffett, Melvin Puffett, Nigle Puffett, Valerie Jeffries, and Janet Puffett, and son-in-law Richard "Ben" Adams

Marlene’s cherished memories intertwine with the hearts of those she loved and who loved her; her dearly departed husband, Olen Ray Sprinkle, her daughter Lisa Ann Adams, and granddaughter Shaina McMillan, PhD., and her parents Charles and Dorothy (Dixon) Puffett, await her in eternity.

In recognition of her life well-lived, friends and family are invited to honor her memory during the visitation on July 8, 2025, at The Carter Memorial Chapel at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven, MS, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. The day will conclude with her burial at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home immediately following her service.

Marlene Joyce Sprinkle, a woman of profound faith, indomitable spirit, and steadfast love, will remain forever etched in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.

Memorial donations may be made to Impact Missions, Inc., 165 Labauve St, Hernando, MS 38632.