Melma Floraine Sparks

Melma Floraine (Gary) Sparks was born in the Timpson area (Garrett Springs) April 26, 1925 to Ernest and Diamond (Spradley) Gary. She took her Heavenly flight while in Legend Oaks Care Center of Ennis, Texas, March 17, 2017 at the age of 91 years, 11 months. She is survived by two daughters, Janice (Mrs. Miles Baker) of Larkspur, Colorado, and Carolyn (Mrs. Paul Gauntt) of Waxahachie, Texas. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Josh Baker of Denver, Colorado, Drew Baker (wife Sarah) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Randi (Mrs. Matthew Loafman) of Waxahachie, and Derek (wife Christine Gauntt) of Castle Rock, Colorado. She is also survived by four great granddaughters, Nixon of Castle Rock, Colorado, Dylan of Owasso, Oklahoma, Lexi and Luci Loafman of Waxahachie, 7 great grandsons, Luke, Levi, Landry and Lane Loafman of Waxahachie; Logan and Aidan Baker, Owasso, Oklahoma, and Knox Gauntt of Castle Rock, Colorado, and also several nieces and nephews and cousins, along with a great host of friends.

She is survived by two sisters, Vera Brooks of Summerfield, Florida and Winnie Molloy of Timpson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Thurman Norris Sparks; brothers, Lovis, Jimmy, Elzin, Melvin and Mervin Gary; one sister, Helen Hudson.

At the end of World War II, Norris and Melma moved to the Texas Gulf Coast where he was employed with Texaco Refinery and she worked for over 30 years in retail clothing. The two were faithful to their beloved church, Beacon Baptist Church of Port Arthur, where they served in various positions for many years.

Melma (or Mimi as she was called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren) loved to cook, sew, and travel, making many long distance camping trips with her family. She was a devoted follower of gospel music, and along with her sister-in-law, Oneita (Sparks) Gary, would travel as far as North Caroline to enjoy a gospel music concert.

She was insistent that when she gave a money gift to any of her children, she expected them to spend it on something nice for themselves. She said, "I don't want you to use this for groceries or paying the light bill -- I want you to spend it on you -- and I want you to tell me what you bought."

Suffering a massive stroke in March 2002, she was partially incapacitated for the last 15 years of her life, but, being the fighter she was, did not let it hinder from an active life. She loved to attend her church, Farley Street Baptist Church of Waxahachie, and she made cruises with her daughters to Alaska (2001) and Hawaii in 2009. Melma lived a full, rich, exciting life and her fighting spirit was no less on display even during her final days. Healthcare workers marveled at what stamina and survival spirit she manifested during her final days on earth.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dana Sherrill, her caregiver for almost 3 years; Legend Oaks Healthcare of Ennis, and Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson.

Interment is at County Line Cemetery, about 8 miles west of Timpson on FM 1971.