Roanoke, VA Mrs. Nellie Mabel Reves Sparks, a very caring loving mother, age 96, of 2415 Broadway Ave., formerly of Elkin, passed away Monday, December 29, 2008 at Springtree Health and Rehab in Roanoke, Va. She was born May 4, 1912 in Wilkes County to Charlie Mae & Nancy Morrison Reves. Mrs. Sparks retired from Chatham Manufacturing and was a member of Maple Springs United Methodist Church for 85 years where she was active in the church as Sunday School Teacher, member of the choir, Official Board Member of United Methodist Women, Church Historian, Delegate to the Western North Carolina Methodist Conference and Numerous Church Fund Raising Efforts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Harvey F. Sparks, six sisters and two brothers. Survivors include: a son, Phillip F. Sparks and dear friend Henny Brooks of Roanoke, Va; a daughter Betty Sparks Divers and husband Russell F. of Roanoke, Va.; sisters-in-law, Aline Sparks, Nell Sale; three grandchildren, Rhonda Lanier and Stacy McAfee, Johnny Lanier and wife Michelle, Brian Sparks and Jerry Martin; three great grandchildren, Kyle Lanier, Shelby Lanier and Katelyn Lanier-Moylan; four step grandchildren, Eliana, Silas, Kaia and Anna. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Springs United Methodist Church by Rev. Rex Cranfill and Rev. Don Summerville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Maple Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Sparks family.
