Martha Ellen Sparks

MARTHA ELLEN SPARKS, our loving mother and "Nini" to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 92. She was born April 28, 1921 in Enola, the only child of Roy and Pearl Bell. She graduated from Little Rock High School in 1939. She married W.L. "Bill" Sparks in 1940. They had 72 years of marriage and were blessed with three children; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of which were her pride and joy. Her love and devotion to her family was her greatest reward and also the greatest gift to her family. Her home was the center of large family celebrations, holidays, and get-togethers where she served her famous roast beef for Sunday lunch for more than 30 years to any and all that could join. She enjoyed many long lasting friendships. She enjoyed a 25-year career with the Little Rock School District, working in the offices of both Pulaski Heights Junior High School and Forrest Heights Junior High School. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church for over 75 years and attended regularly until the past year. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pearl Bell; her husband, Bill Sparks and her daughter, Linda Sparks Chism. She is survived by son, Larry Sparks (Peggy) of Conway, and daughter Connie Sparks Reinhardt of Little Rock. Her grandchildren are Lauren Adams (Forrest) of Springdale; Shawn Sparks Kacena (Chris) of North Little Rock; Cheryl Ann Hearnsberger (Graves) of Little Rock; Ashley Ann Williams (Keith) of Conway; and David Lewis Reinhardt (Christa) of Little Rock. She is also survived by her many great-grandchildren; a cousin, Marilyn Bell Howard (Clark), nephews, John C. Schratz (Kaye) and Bruce E. Schratz (Georgia); a niece, Suzann Welty Barr (John), a sister-in-law and dearest friend, Katherine Beck Sparks, all of Little Rock. The family is grateful to the home caregivers, Louise Bumgardener, Thelma Cole, and Martha Prince, and the hospice personnel for their kindness and professional care. Family visitation will at noon, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Asbury United Methodist Church 1700 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Asbury United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Chris Kacena, Keith Williams, Storm Adams, Taylor Adams, Blake Shaddell, Forrest Adams, Steve Schratz, Bruce Schratz, John Barr, Keith Schratz, Bucky Bramlett and Conner Williams. We will miss our mother and Nini, but we are thankful for the many years having her special love and care. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, AR (501) 224-8300.