Reflections of Life Priscilla Jane Spriggs Smithers was born January 2, 1942 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Mildred (Burke) Spriggs and Robert David Spriggs. She departed this life on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Priscilla and her twin sister, Patricia, grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia. As a 1959 graduate of Parkersburg High School, her class was the first to integrate the school. She went on to graduate from Mountain State College where she was the first African American cheerleader. Priscilla, who never stepped back from a challenge, entered the Parkersburg section of the Miss America contest and after much discussion by the judges she was awarded "first runner up." After graduating from Mountain State, Priscilla moved to Columbus, Ohio where she accepted a job at the Ohio State University working for the Ohio Department of Highways. Here she met and married her husband, Les. They were married on February 11, 1962. Their first daughter, Sheila, was born on April 1, 1963. After Les graduated from Ohio State, the young couple moved to Sacramento, California in May 1963. Priscilla immediately became involved in working for the less fortunate. Their second daughter, Lisa, was born April 26, 1966 in Sacramento. They moved to Springfield, Ohio in 1968. Priscilla quickly established new roots and began volunteer work at Highlands Elementary School and The League of Women Voters. A few of her accomplishments include Publicity Chair of the Springfield Chapter of Ohio Black Woman's Leadership Caucus for which she received numerous awards. She was a very active member of the New North Street A.M.E. Church Lay Organization and the Missionary Society. When Continental Cablevision began operations in Springfield, she was selected to be the Customer Relations and Community Outreach Affairs Director. From 1973 to 1978 she had a TV show on cable channel 3 called Tuesday Night. This was the beginning of outstanding career which included: Director of the Springfield/ Clark County Fighting Back Program United Way of Clark Champaign County Clerk of Commission, Springfield, Ohio Member of the Village of Enon Commission At the age of 50, Priscilla decided she was going to fulfill her dream of being a "horse person." She purchased two horses with her friend, Zella Nisley. These horses became the love of her life until the birth of her grandson, TJ. Her love for animals went well beyond horses. Priscilla never hesitated to bring home an animal in need, from dogs to cats and even snakes. For her dedication to others she received many local and state awards. In 1994, she was chosen as the National Omega Citizen of the year for 1993 at the 68th Grand Conclave of Omega Psi Phi in Cleveland, Ohio. This award sums up Priscilla's attributes where it states: OMEGA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR PRESENTED TO PRISCILLA SMITHERS IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IN APPRECIATION FOR ADVANCING THE HUMAN CAUSE IN THE QUEST OF EQUALITY FOR ALL CITIZENS. 68TH GRAND CONCLAVE CLEVELAND, OHIO JULY 28, 1994 She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert David and Mildred Eloise (Burke) Spriggs; sister, Robin Denise Spriggs and twin sister, Patricia Ann Holland. Priscilla is survived by O. Lester, her husband of 55 and 1/2 years; daughters, Sheila (Troy) Taylor of Westerville, Ohio and Lisa Ann (Gregory) Eddy of Land O Lakes, Florida; grandson, Troy Taylor II; brother in law, Ralph (Carol) Smithers; sister in law, Veronica (Charles) Bryant and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Through good times or bad, Priscilla was always positive and optimistic. She never complained and was always quick to compliment others. She will certainly be missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: The African American Fund of the Springfield Foundation 333 N. Limestone Street Suite 201 Springfield, Ohio 45503

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