January 7, 1934 ~ February 9, 2022 (age 88)
Bobbie Merlene Sparks, 88, of Graham, Texas passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022, in Graham.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 11th at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Van Christian officiating. Interment will follow at Lingleville East End Cemetery in Lingleville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Friday, one hour prior to services.
Bobbie Merlene Sparks was born on January 7, 1934 in Gorman, Texas to Zeph and Nellie Christian. She and her twin sister, Earlene were the first set of twins born in Blackwell Hospital in Gorman. She went to school in Lingleville where she met R. L. Sparks. They married March 23, 1951 in Wichita Falls.
Merlene was a housewife. She also worked in the Brownfield school cafeterias, at Gibsons, and for the Brownfield News. R. L. and Merlene traveled, fished, played on the golf course, and volunteered at Project Hope after they retired and moved to Stephenville. She loved her grandkids and great grandkids. Merlene spent the last seven years at the Elison Assisted Living in Graham where she met new friends, enjoyed activities, and loved small apartment living.
Merlene was a committed disciple for Christ. She taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and worked on committees at Calvary Baptist Church in Brownfield, and Harvey Baptist Church in Stephenville. Church was always a priority for the Sparks’ family. She was a member of the Harvey Baptist Church. She took her final journey home to Heaven on February 9.
Merlene is survived by her twin sister, Earlene Moore of DeLeon; daughter, Karen Morgan and John Newer of Butler, Oklahoma; son, Gary and Tonya Sparks of Graham. Grandchildren include Jay and Lana Proctor, Meggan and Jeremy Rother, Brandon, Rusty, Chelsey, Trevor and Brittany Sparks. Great grandchildren include Julia, Brodey, Chloe, Blakley, Tristyn, Brooklyn, Cassie, and Audrey. There are also many nieces and nephews.
Merlene was preceded in death by her husband, of 62 years, R. L. Sparks, on August 8, 2013.
Many thanks to the staff and caregivers at Elison Assisted Living in Graham, and Solaris Hospice Care in Graham for all their support, kindness, and loving care.
The Sparks family wishes expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the American Cancer Society.
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