Obituary for Velma Sparks
Velma Lavern Sparks was born the fifth of ten children to Jesse Manning and Sadie Williams Manning on December 1, 1933 in the rural community of Marshall, Texas, where she attended public school at H. B. Pemberton High School and Wiley College.
In 1952, Velma married Herbert Sparks Sr. and to this union, two sons were born, Herbert Sparks Jr. and Rodney W. Sparks were the pride and joy of her life.
Velma worked at Thiokol Corporation in Karnack, Texas for many years until she retired. She was a longtime member and regular attendant of Ward Chapel A.M.E Church. In her spare time, Velma enjoyed cooking, sewing, and shopping.
Velma was a patient woman of God with strong faith and character that exuded through her calm demeanor that commanded the respect of others. Velma was firm, fair and consistent, unwavering in her unconditional love and support of her family. She was adventurous and fearless taking road tips to support her boys at Friday night football games, decorating dormitory rooms, garage apartments, no matter how far, no challenge was too great. From preparing delicious meals and desserts to her meticulous skills as a seamstress, she never disappointed. Rumor has it that her nieces and nephews squabbled over the homemade ice cream.
Velma L. Sparks was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 22, 2023 and is now resting in the care of our Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Manning and Sadie Williams Manning; husband, Herbert Sparks, Sr.; son, Herbert (PUP) Sparks Jr.; son, Rodney W. Sparks; brother, Jesse Manning, Jr.; brother, Lawrence Manning, Sr.; and sister Johnetta Cooper. To cherish the beautiful memories, she leaves her daughter-in-law’s,Estelle Sparks and Kim Sparks; grandchildren, Trent Sparks (Shelda), Brandi M. Sparks, Shantoinette Mallory Walthall (Kelvin), Andy White, and Angie B. Harmon; great grandchildren, Trent Sparks Jr., Jaesah Sparks, Nevaeh Torrez, Tristan Walthall, Jalaysia David, Jhaeleon David and Jaylani David; She also leaves to cherish her memory five sisters: Lucy Mae McClellan, Myrtle Clark, Ruby Abercrombie, Geneva Seay, and Sadie C. Johnson; and one brother, Carl Manning; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In 1952, Velma married Herbert Sparks Sr. and to this union, two sons were born, Herbert Sparks Jr. and Rodney W. Sparks were the pride and joy of her life.
Velma worked at Thiokol Corporation in Karnack, Texas for many years until she retired. She was a longtime member and regular attendant of Ward Chapel A.M.E Church. In her spare time, Velma enjoyed cooking, sewing, and shopping.
Velma was a patient woman of God with strong faith and character that exuded through her calm demeanor that commanded the respect of others. Velma was firm, fair and consistent, unwavering in her unconditional love and support of her family. She was adventurous and fearless taking road tips to support her boys at Friday night football games, decorating dormitory rooms, garage apartments, no matter how far, no challenge was too great. From preparing delicious meals and desserts to her meticulous skills as a seamstress, she never disappointed. Rumor has it that her nieces and nephews squabbled over the homemade ice cream.
Velma L. Sparks was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 22, 2023 and is now resting in the care of our Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Manning and Sadie Williams Manning; husband, Herbert Sparks, Sr.; son, Herbert (PUP) Sparks Jr.; son, Rodney W. Sparks; brother, Jesse Manning, Jr.; brother, Lawrence Manning, Sr.; and sister Johnetta Cooper. To cherish the beautiful memories, she leaves her daughter-in-law’s,Estelle Sparks and Kim Sparks; grandchildren, Trent Sparks (Shelda), Brandi M. Sparks, Shantoinette Mallory Walthall (Kelvin), Andy White, and Angie B. Harmon; great grandchildren, Trent Sparks Jr., Jaesah Sparks, Nevaeh Torrez, Tristan Walthall, Jalaysia David, Jhaeleon David and Jaylani David; She also leaves to cherish her memory five sisters: Lucy Mae McClellan, Myrtle Clark, Ruby Abercrombie, Geneva Seay, and Sadie C. Johnson; and one brother, Carl Manning; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.