Wanda June Sparks, 82, left this earth to glory on the evening of April 2, 2025 peacefully and surrounded by love.

She is survived by her three siblings: Glenn Noles, Francine Evans, and Laura Brigance; her children: Triana Martinez and Eugene Sparks; her grandchildren: Zak Sparks, April Newell, and Autumn Sparks; and her four great-grandchildren. Her eldest son, Roy Lee Sparks, preceded her to glory on Dec. 3, 2024.

If you're still reading, bless you. Journalistic formula dictates an obituary format rife with pertinent facts, but given the esteemed honor of writing my Grandmamaw's obituary, I'd rather write with heart than formula. So forgive the following bias and familiarity.

Those who love Wanda will tell you she was White Diamond perfume and tasseled western wear. She was warm, tight hugs, and unwavering love. She liked butter pecan ice cream and fresh baked French bread. Country music and hymns were her soundtrack through a life that forged within her steady hope and determination.

Wanda was many things: a compassionate sister, beloved mother, encouraging grandmother, doting aunt, and caring cousin.

She was raised on farms and revivals, throughout Texas and Arkansas. After marrying on Christmas of 1959 she was able to see the world while living in France for a few years. My children, her great-grandchildren, are always reminded of Grandmamaw when they see an image of the Eiffel Tower. With her husband and three children she saw many US states as they were stationed in several places by the Army.

I have always admired how the circumstances of life developed a heart in her for love and acceptance. Her sacrificial love for family and friends is a foundation of my own life and upbringing. This love is born from the legacy of a family that has loved Jesus and made Him the cornerstone of the lives they built. Though storms and winds came, and I know Grandmamaw fell, her own foundation was not upon the sand that gave way and scattered to nothing. Hers was built on the Rock that never wavered, never left her, and never condemned but rather picked her up. That strength and bravery of rising up spoke more to my soul than a thousand hymns ever could.

This faith of Wanda's that has fueled multiple generations, wasn't just because of a Jesus-loving daddy. It was her own faith that I know saved me. The Lord only knows the countless prayers she's lifted up for her children and their children, and my children, for her siblings and her nieces and nephews. There is no doubt in my mind that her prayers–in faith–strengthened and emboldened me in my weakest moments.

There are no surprises to the God of the Universe. He chose this time to take Wanda home. Though today we struggle with the loss of her earthly presence, it is only gain for her–no more pain or sickness, no more tears, as she awaits our arrival in the arms of the Savior who never failed to raise her.

To celebrate Wanda J. Sparks' life, in lieu of services, we have set up a Memorial Grove of trees in her name through an organization called Trees for a Change.

The trees will be planted in an area of Sequoia National Forest that was destroyed by wildfire. Wanda's trees will help restore the beauty of the forest and will be a living tribute to her for years to come. Our family will get a framed certificate with the total number of trees and a card with all messages after all the contributions have come in.

We invite friends, family and members of the community to contribute trees to this special grove by visiting Wanda's custom link below and following the instructions.

Link: https://www.treesforachange.com/pages/Wanda-J-Sparks