Kristie Leigh Franklin Spurlin, 53, of Rutherford College, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at UNC Health Blue Ridge of Morganton following a brief illness.
Kristie was born on May 24, 1971 in Burke County, a daughter of Howard Lee and Brenda “Gail” Franklin. She loved everyone and often gave her time and finances to benefit others in need. She loved to give and be a blessing to others. She was a second Mom to many and had many children, although she only gave birth to one. She was blessed with many wonderful friends. She worked for almost thirty years as a laboratory technician, and she spent those same years rooting for her favorite teams, the Carolina Panthers and Duke Blue Devils. She was an avid supporter of Amazon Prime, who will miss her regular orders.
Kristie is preceded in passing by her favorite Grandma, Nell.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of thirty-three years, Ricky Spurlin; son, Justin Spurlin; parents, Howard and Gail Franklin; sister, Kellie Whisnant (Tracy); nephew, Tyler Whisnant; niece, Taylor Whisnant; mother-in-law, Brenda Self (Eddie); father-in-law, Willie Spurlin (Diane); brothers-in-law, Chris Spurlin; sister-in-law, Tammie Wright (Jeff); nephew, Jayden Wright; niece, Brandy Cook (David); nephew, Jessie Wright (Emily); brother-in-law, Steve Self; and sisters-in-law, Mandy Self and Connie Williams (Adam).
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Pastor Edwin Elmore officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends the night prior to the service on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Service from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.
Kristie, where do I begin. Your laugh was contagious and you loved your friends and family fiercely. You will be missed.
She was a light in the world! Loved he and her spirit. Mat the lord spread her wings and fly high! Rest In Peace my friend❤️🙏🏻
The world is better for you having been in it and I am better for being lucky enough to know you and call you my friend. A huge hole has been left in a lot of lives that no one will be able to fill. Rest in peace my friend. Prayers for your family in the days to come.
So truly sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you’re going thru right now. May God wrap His arms around y’all and hold you with comforting love.
My love and sympathy to Rick, Justin, Gail, Howard, Kellie, and family. I would give anything to be with you all now.
Kristie, you are now with my mama. I have missed her so these last 20 years. Give her a big hug for me. I know where you both are and I am thankful I know how to get there.❤️
Love,
Amanda “Seaborn” Carden
We are so sorry. Our love and sympathy to you everyone.
Love,
Johnny, Michael, Amanda, Brian, and Abigail
She was the sweetest kindest person I ever met! I loved her so much and she will be missed dearly! Prayers for the family!🙏💕
I’m so sorry to hear of Kristie’s passing. I didn’t know her very well, but I worked with her husband, Ricky, and her Mother, Gail at one time. Please know that the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Kristie’s passing. She was a very thoughtful person who went out of her way to help many others though she had health issues of her own. Peace be with her family at this time.
So sorry to hear about Kristie! Heaven has received an angel! Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and Justin and all family during this time of sorrow!
Gail,
I was so sorry to hear about Kristie. When you and I worked together at the hospital, I felt like I knew your family. You and your family are in my prayers
Kristie’s life was full of love and warmth, and her passing is truly a pity. May her family draw strength from the memories and accept the sorrow with fortitude.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.