Josephine Sparks

Josephine Sparks was born July 31, 1939 in Waveland, Arkansas. She was the second child of Alta Weaver and Mary E. Foster. They lived in Waveland, Arkansas for three years and moved to Porterville, California in 1942. In 1960, Josephine and her husband Gene moved to Las Vegas and resided there until her death on April 25, 2013.

Josephine went to Burton High School and graduated with a high school diploma. She went on to work for Centel Telephone Company as a communications operator for twenty-five years. She then retired and stayed home to attend to her family.

In June of 1956, Josephine met Gene Sparks and they were married about six months later on December 29, 1956 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, California. Eventually, they had five children together Treva Jo, Regina Mary, Glenda May, Perry Dean, and Kevin Lee. In 2002 before Gene’s death, they celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

Throughout her life, Jo was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and creating arts and crafts projects. Jo and her husband Gene used these talents to help supplement their income while raising their family. She was known for her elaborate doll lamps, children’s clothing, and her intricate doilies.

Memories that Jo’s friends and family remember about her were the years she spent on the back of her husband’s motorcycle traveling across country, staying up late and playing games with her neighbors, creating memorable crafts and Christmas surprises, and designing masterpieces through her sewing abilities.

Josephine was raised in the Protestant faith. She accepted the Lord in May of 2002 along with her husband Gene, and they were baptized together shortly thereafter. Before her death, she renewed her commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ when she repeated the prayer of acceptance. Afterward, when she was asked if she did renew her faith, in a strained and quiet voice, she attempted a shout of “Yes!”

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.