Virginia Sparks

Beloved mother and grandmother, Virginia Ruth Green Sparks, 90, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. She died peacefully surrounded by family.

Virginia was born May 11, 1930 in Whiteside, Tennessee; the youngest of ten children of Reuben Green and Jennie Howard Green.

A licensed cosmetologist who also worked as a cashier for several stores including Loveman’s, Eckerd’s, and Kmart, she also worked as a stock clerk at the Red Food Store Warehouse. After retiring from the Red Food Store Warehouse, she volunteered as a Foster Grandparent for the One Room Drop-In School.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Beverly Sparks Sutton, Ronnie LeBron (Regina) Sparks, Sr., of Atlanta, GA, and Linda Sparks(Preston) Rogers; four grandchildren, Dana (Danny Clark) Sutton, Ronnie LeBron Sparks, Jr., Ronshalee Sparks, and Taylor Nicole Rogers; three great-grandchildren, Devon Bradford, Angel Sparks, and Cadence Sparks; a host of nieces, nephews, sister-in- law, Mamie Green, extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Ernest Green, Reuben Green, James Green, Charles Green, Mamie Battle, Martha Kelly, Elizabeth Keys, Edith Pickett, and Lillie Jordan; former husband, Joseph Sparks, Jr.

Virginia was a member of New Monumental Baptist Church and its Progressive Club. Virginia’s hobbies included gardening, baking yeast rolls, and elaborate cakes, chatting on the phone with friends and watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show.

A private family service will be held Friday, December 4, 2020. Interment: Lakewood Memory Gardens-East

A public memorial service will be held in May 2021 (Public health regulations permitting).

Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995