Iona E. Sprague

Iona E. Sprague, a beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 13, 1937, Iona lived a life full of passion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family. She was a daughter of the late Marion Foskey and Emma Evelyn Johnson.

Iona had an impressive work ethic that began in her early days growing up on a farm then she worked as a seamstress in several garment factories on Delmarva. She later became an inspector and held various roles at Abbey Homes in Princess Anne, which demonstrated her remarkable versatility and strong determination. A true jack of all trades, she prided herself on her ability to perform inspections, carpentry work, and other essential duties. She went on to retire from the Parts Department at Piedmont Airlines. Finally,ending her work career with the Wicomico County Public Schools as a lunch lady. Iona's honest, straightforward, and slightly opinionated nature, coupled with her incredible cooking and baking skills-especially her famous apple dumplings topped with white sauce-will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of enjoying her home-cooked meals.

Iona was also a long-time member of Washington United Methodist Church in Shad Point, where she nurtured her faith and forged lasting connections within her community.

A devoted mother, Iona was the anchor of her family, devoted to ensuring that her children remained close and connected. She is survived by her children, Sharon C. Hoffman, Karon A. Roberts, Harvey Wayne Sprague, Sr., Ray Allen Sprague, Darlene S. Hamilton, Ashley L. Martin and Sara R. Cox; grandchildren, Michelle Bailey, Andrew Roberts, Harvey Wayne Sprague, Jr., Stacey Russum, Michael Sprague, Thomas Sprague, Lee Sprague, Mark Jason Hixon, Melissa Richbark, Liam Martin, Ethan Martin, Greyson Martin, Skylar Cox, Dominic Cox and Clarice Cox;11 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harvey Franklin Sprague; granddaughter, Lynette Ennis; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Jaiden and Davey; and brothers, Alfred Gorman Johnson and Richard Allen Johnson.

Graveside funeral services will be held in her honor, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in her memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Iona E. Sprague will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, inspiring them with her strength, passion, and unwavering commitment to family bonds.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.