Marcia Elizabeth (Cleary) Sparks

Marcia Elizabeth Sparks, age 81, of Newport Beach, California passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m., Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary in Newport Beach with Pastor and Dean Gail Stearns of Chapman University officiating.

Marcia Elizabeth (Cleary) Sparks was born October 25, 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of James McPherson Cleary and Elizabeth Marie (Hochenauer) Cleary. She was a 1959 graduate of Brownsville (TX) High school and attended the University of Oklahoma, receiving her B.A. in Interior Design in 1963. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and subsequently spent many years serving on the Advisory Board. On November 22, 1963 she was married in Brownsville, Texas to John Otho Sparks of Woodward, Oklahoma.

In the traditional sense of the word, "hero" Marcia followed in the footsteps of her own mother Betty Cleary. She was not a "hero" but led her life with smaller daily acts of heroism in her constant display of kindness, thoughtfulness, sweetness---surpassing those single, compulsive acts of derring-do, which win medals and public acclaim.

Mrs. Sparks raised her children in Woodward, Oklahoma, residing there from 1965 to 1994. Mrs. Sparks was selflessly dedicated and committed to raising her children. Throughout her life she always prioritized her time to support Grant and Lisa's academic, athletic, professional, social and political endeavors - - a sacrifice for which they are eternally grateful. Mrs. Sparks also made time in her life to actively participate in numerous philanthropic organizations in her community, including serving as President of P.E.O., Gamma Sorosis, and many others. Mrs. Sparks was a valued Vestry member and longtime volunteer at her church, St. John's Episcopal Church in Woodward.

After 31 years of marriage, Mrs. Sparks relocated to Oklahoma City and subsequently became a friend of Bill Wilson's, a friendship, and source of pride, she maintained for over 24 years. While in Oklahoma City, she enjoyed part-time employment at Diane Lee's consignment and dabbled in interior design endeavors.

In 2010, Mrs. Sparks moved to Newport Beach, California to be close to her daughter, Lisa, and her granddaughters. She loved spending family time sharing in many activities and especially loved the beautiful sunsets of the Pacific Ocean.

Her unwavering support of her family, friends, neighbors, and all of those she touched was the heroism of Marcia Elizabeth (Cleary) Sparks.

"It is better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness."

And, Marcia, like her mother, lit a small, but very bright, candle in a dark world.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Elizabeth 'Lisa' Sparks and husband Daniele Struppa, Newport Beach; her son, Grant Cleary Sparks and wife Andrea Sparks Austin, TX; her sister, Sandra Winter (Cleary) Jenkins and husband Lamont Jenkins, Brownsville, TX; and five grand-children, Elena Elizabeth Bethea, Arianna Struppa, Athena Struppa, Madeline Sparks and J.T. Sparks.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com for the Sparks family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Working Wardrobes, a website link has been provided below.