Missionary Ramona Springer, affectionately known as “Nunnie”, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 27, 1943, in Washington, North Carolina, Ramona was the beloved daughter of Olive “Ollie” Wilkins and Jack Reed Wilkins Sr. Raised during a time of tremendous change in the American South, she learned early the values of faith, perseverance, compassion, and hard work — qualities that would define her throughout her remarkable life. She later made Boston, Massachusetts, her home, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, her faith, her students, and her community.

A Love That Crossed the Sea

At the center of her life stood an extraordinary love — the sixty-three-year devotion she shared with her beloved husband, Colvin Springer. Together they built a home rooted in faith, commitment, laughter, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Their marriage became the foundation upon which generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family would stand. Through it all they remained each other’s greatest blessing. Colvin was the love of her life, and she was his.

A Life of Faith

Above every accomplishment stood Ramona’s unwavering faith in God. Missionary Ramona Springer faithfully served the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) for more than sixty years. She loved her church family deeply and found great joy in serving others through ministry, prayer, encouragement, and quiet acts of kindness.

Family

While many knew her as Missionary Springer or Mrs. Springer, those closest to her knew her by her favorite titles: Mommy, Nunnie. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to tell them how much she loved them and how proud she was of each of them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Olive “Ollie” Wilkins and Jack Reed Wilkins Sr., and by her cherished sisters: Margaret Ann Pierce, Addie “Ree” Maynard, Enora “Jackie” Staten and Joyce Ann McAllister. Special Cousin: Ophelia “Piggy” Bailey.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 63 years, Colvin Springer; her daughters, Alicia Springer (William Patterson) and Natasha (Springer) Burnette (Alvin Burnette); and her special daughter, Kim Hazell. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Kyrey Springer (Bri), Timisha Springer-Gatling (Marlowe), Raven Springer, Morgan Springer, and Ashley Burnette, together with her cherished great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Kassidy, Mia, Mason, Kenzie, Mila, Kamden, Kooper, and Kolvin, with special mention of De-Angelo and Chris. She is survived by her brother, Jack Reed Wilkins Jr. (Sharon), and her sisters, Joyce Sullivan and Gail R. Jackson (AJ). She also leaves behind her beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law of the Springer family, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, former students, colleagues, treasured friends, and countless others whose lives were enriched simply by knowing her.

The family wishes to express a special, heartfelt thank you to two beloved aunts whose love, support, and strength have been an extraordinary blessing during this time: Melda Greaves and Ilene Davis. Their devotion has meant more than words can say, and their love will forever be remembered with gratitude.

A Life of Education and Service

Education was one of Nunnie’s greatest passions. She earned her master’s degree in education and devoted thirty-eight years to teaching children in the Boston Public School System. She was a proud member of the Boston Teachers’ Association. Her influence extended beyond the classroom. She worked with parents, educators, churches, and community organizations to support children and families. During a significant period of change in Boston’s public schools, she helped advance educational opportunities, believing education could transform lives and strengthen communities. For Nunnie, teaching was never simply a job. She believed education could change the direction of a child’s life. She understood that a teacher could become a source of encouragement, guidance, stability, and hope. To many she was far more than “Mrs. Springer.” A mentor, an encourager, a listener. A steady presence whose influence reached far beyond the school walls.

Her Legacy

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that she has received the reward of a life faithfully lived. Well done, good and faithful servant.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7