Joyce Mae Sparks
Joyce Mae Sparks, 80, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, but that is not the end of her story. Her story of godly influence continues in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Let us go back to her beginning.
Benjamin J. Kramer and Verda Mae (Irvin) Kramer began their family of six on October 10, 1940 in Sullivan, MO when Joyce was born. She grew up tending to her sisters (Joan and Judy) and brother (Bennie) while her parents worked hard to put food on the table. She attended school in Sullivan and graduated with the Sullivan High School class of 1958, where she was crowned the “Eagle Ball” queen. The day after high school graduation, Joyce married Glenn R. Sparks, Sr. on May 24, 1958 and began a love journey together, full of joy and heartaches, struggles and celebrations. Along the way they raised two children, Tyann and Glenn Jr., and informally “adopted” many hurting souls in need of help and unconditional love.
Joyce was a hard worker and for many years, she was employed as a ward clerk for the Sullivan Community Hospital, until it changed ownership. She then worked in the fabric department of Wal-Mart until retiring at age 70.
She experienced grief along her journey as her parents, sister (Joan), two brothers-in-law (Bob Pilkenton and Troy Beers) and one sister-in-law (Sandy Kramer) passed away. Her greatest grief occurred when her husband, Glenn Sr. passed away in 2002. But she will not be remembered for her many griefs that she endured. She will be remembered for her life and the influence that she had on others.
Joyce surrendered her life to God in 1970 was a very strong Christian woman, always steadfast in her faith. She looked out for those in need and loved all who she came in contact with. Joyce also loved her flowers, gardening, fishing and she was an exceptional cook. She even won a couple of local pie baking contests. She treasured her family and enjoyed spending time with them on the many camping and fishing trips, playing with the grandkids in the creek, or just sitting and talking. Joyce will forever be remembered as a sweet woman who was willing to do whatever it took to help someone else. She was wise, feisty, fun-loving, industrious, giving, and a source of unconditional love.
Proverbs 31 verses 10-31 expresses beautifully the life of Joyce Sparks.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Joyce leaves behind her two children, Tyann Alexander and husband, Willie, of Dixon, MO, and Glenn R. Sparks, Jr. and wife, Virginia, of Warrenton, MO; ten grandchildren: Kyle Sparks and wife, Emily, of Wasilla, AK, Zachariah Sparks of Warrenton, MO, Christyn Sparks of Rolla, MO, Tara Burns and husband, Sam, of Conway, MO, A.J. Bowers of Sullivan, MO, Ethan Bowers of St. Louis, MO, Elijah Bowers and wife, Paige, of Davenport, IA, Will Alexander and wife, Jamie, Tammy Lipscomb, Mindy Parker and husband, Charley, all of Dixon, MO, and Roberta Pennock of Steelville; seventeen great-grandchildren: Rayland, Rhett, Reese, Lane, Danica, Maggie, Charley, Sawyer, Zane, Tristin, Kinsley, Camden, Sayla, Finley, Tatum, Asa, Tobi; one sister, Judi Beers of Linn, MO; one brother, Bennie Kramer of Linn, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. But this is not a list of survivors or blood relatives as much as it is a brief list of lives who have been greatly impacted by a godly woman living out the commands of her Savior and Lord, to “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength… and to love thy neighbor as thyself.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; her parents, Benjamin and Verta; one sister, Joan Pilkenton and her husband, Bob; one brother-in-law, Troy Beers; and one sister-in-law, Sandy Kramer.
Funeral Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Glenn Sparks Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Reedville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12 – 2 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Joyce’ memory may be made to Reedville Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with Joyce’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.