Betty Mildred Roberts Sparks

Mildred Roberts Sparks, 90, passed away in Denton, NC on April 10, 2009. she was born March 24, 1919 in Harriman Tennessee, the daughter of O. C. and Maggie Robinson Roberts and sister of Ernest (Toad) Roberts who preceded her in death. She graduated from Harriman High School; attended Virginia Intermont and East Tennessee State; and graduated from the University of Tennessee. She taught fifth grade at Harriman Central Elementary for 38 years. She was a former Teacher of the Year and served as an assistant principal shortly before her retirement from teaching. In 1939 she married H. Doone Sparks, with whom she shared a love of UT athletics, refinishing antiques, and spending time with family and friends until his death in 1975. Upon her marriage to Doone, she accepted and loved his family as her own. Their loving union produced two children: Robert D. Sparks and Judi Sparks Boggs, both residing in Denton, NC with their spouses, Shirley Bland Sparks and Jim Boggs; 6 grandchildren: Teresa Ricard (John) of Richmond, Texas; Suellen Sparks of Tallahassee, Florida; Rev. Carol D. Sparks of Flower Mound, Texas; Leigh Boggs Parker (John) of Denton, NC; Lauren Boggs of Charlotte, NC; Brandee Boggs of Ashville, NC, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Extended family includes all the “Tom and Tossy Evans” family members- Bill and Nancy Newcomb, Sara, and Amy Wood and family, Carol Evans, Tom Evans and Carol Dee. Family and close friends are familiar with her dedication to the education of children, her appreciation of UT Sports, her delicious chicken salad and chili, and her loving interest in her children and grandchildren and their family activities. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, easy-going, yet independent nature, selflessness, and unconditional love. She leaves legacies of grace, strength, hospitality, and especially fun. Her life will be celebrated on Tuesday April 14, 2009, at Kyker Funeral Home in Harriman. The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM preceding the 11:00 AM service which will be officiated by Rev. Carol Sparks. Burial will follow at Roane Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman, Hospice, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the Sparks Family at www.kykerfuneralhome.com