Mary Lou Sparks

Mary Lou Sparks, 80, passed away 10 July 2018 at her river front home. She was preceded in death by her parents Melville and Winona Jarnagin, brother Gerald Wayne Jarnagin, sister Melva Jane Nowlin and Roger Lee Sparks. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Darrell Sparks, brother Jim Jarnagin wife Frankie of Tolar, Texas, son Craig Sparks wife Kimberly of Bartonville, Texas, son Dean Sparks wife Jerrilyn of Cedar Lake, Indiana, Lari Sparks of Syracuse, Utah eight grandchildren: Heather, Roger Lee Jr, Sara, Micah, Martha, Kody, Cody, Hayley and twelve great grandchildren. She graduated from Roby, Texas High School receiving the Salutatorian Scholarship and the Belfour Citizenship Award and actively participated in Girls High School Basketball. Graduated from McMurray College, Abilene, Texas with a Bachelor of Science Degree and her Teacher's Certificate. Her Master's Degree studies were completed thru the University of Maryland's program for military dependents. Hospital Administrative positions with the VA's in Little Rock, IU in Indianapolis, Baylor in Houston and Brooke Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio led to her selection to the DOD Joint Healthcare Management Analyst Team in San Antonio. She was awarded the Army "Superior Civilian Service Award" at her retirement. Vacation travel and military transfers resulted in visiting twenty-three states and five foreign countries in two years. Member of Kappa Phi Sorority, Kappa Delta Pi (National Education Honor Society), Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Texas Association of Realtors. "Children's Church" was her favorite retirement activity followed closely by all types of sewing, needle craft, oil painting, family gatherings and baking goodies. A visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, July 20, 2018 at Olmstead Funeral Home, 601 W. Main Street, Heber Springs, Ark. The Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Olmstead Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens, 8701 Hwy 110 West, Heber Springs, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.