Joy Eleanor Sparks, 92, of Lubbock, TX died February 9, 2021. She was born a twin (Floy Evelyn Peel) to Mildred A. and Horace J. Young in Denver, Colorado on June 17, 1928.
She grew up in Denver where she was a member of the South Broadway Christian Church. Attended college at Phillips University, Enid, OK and University of Missouri, Kansas City earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Joy married William Sheral Sparks on August 8, 1947. He was a Methodist minister and later became a professor at Saint Paul School of Theology of Kansas City, MO. Because of his profession and his desire for a doctorate (13 years in education) she moved often (Indianapolis, IN, Cincinnati, OH, Denver, CO, Salina, KS and Kansas City, MO). Being a preacher’s wife, she not only worked in the churches playing piano and organs; she led the youth choir, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was the UAW president of the Blue Ridge Blvd United Methodist Church in Independence, MO.
She worked as an Insurance Secretary at various branches/home offices and Industrial Engineering Secretary at Allis Chalmers Co. in Independence, MO. She enjoyed gardening and decorating the many parsonages where they lived.
In 1952 and 1953, she and Bill adopted a son, David F. Sparks, of Florida and a daughter, Carol E Sparks (deceased 1997).
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years and her sister, Floy. Joy loved to talk about her dog, Cookie, daughter-in-law, Carolyn Sparks, grandchildren, J. Ryan Sparks of Florida, Ashley (Brian) Buss of Iowa and great-grandchildren, Finnley R. and Beckett A. Buss of Iowa.
There will be no memorial service due to COVID-19, but burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 2:00PM.
Donation in lieu of flowers to First United Methodist Church, UMW (United Methodist Women's Fellowship) or Friends of Music – FUMC.
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