Harris Funeral Home, Inc. | Opelika, AL

Obituary For Deacon Wilbert Lee Sparks

Graveside service for Wilbert Sparks, 76, of Opelika, AL, will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 2000 South Uniroyal Road, Opelika, AL 36801, Reverend Dr. George C. McCulloh will officiate.

Deacon Sparks, who passed away, Friday, July 31, 2020 at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL, was born July 28, 1944 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama.

Public viewing for Mr. Sparks will be Tuesday, August 4, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

He was the youngest of five siblings. His sister, Mary Sparks William and brother, Luke Sparks preceded him in death. Mr. Sparks graduated from Edward Bell High School, Camp Hill, Alabama.

At an early age, Wilbert confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Center View Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill, Alabama. He later united with Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a Deacon and held the position of Treasurer for twenty-seven years.

On May 31, 1965, Wilbert was called to serve his country during the Vietnam War and received a National Defense Service Medal for Marksman (Rifle M-14). His service to his country, the United States Army, ended August 25, 1971 with an Honorable Discharge.

Mr. Sparks met and married the former Rosa Ann Jordan and together this union was blessed with three sons. Rosa preceded him in death. On April 3, 1999, God blessed the unity of marriage of Deacon Wilbert Sparks to Sister Joyce Annice Torbert. Cooking breakfast was his specialty. Sister Sparks did not object to that and eagerly waited on the call to come and eat. They had so much in common that it didn’t take much to enjoy each other’s company.

Survivors include: a loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Joyce A. Sparks of Opelika, AL; three sons, Maurice Sparks, Darren Jordan, Rodney (Latavia) Sparks all of Opelika, AL; one sister, Katie Mae Sparks of Opelika, AL; one brother, Joseph Sparks of Boston, MA, nieces, Yvette Sparks and Melissa Sparks; one nephew, Jerry Sparks; two step-children who dearly loved him, Nikki (Robert) Zachery and Cody Brown both of Opelika, AL; grandchildren, Akeyla Edwards, Mason Sparks, Kiarra Jordan, Terran Jordan, Caden, Gabby, Casey Brown, Elijah Brown, Jada Reeves and Kamuary Sapp; The Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Family and host of other relatives and friends.

CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Guest Book

Rest In Peace.

- na

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Sparks family for the loss of Deacon Sparks. We pray that God will bless your family with peace and strength to help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family. Eddie & Rebecca Flakes, Las Vegas NV

- na

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Sparks family for the loss of Deacon Sparks. We pray that God will bless your family with peace and strength to help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family.

- na

The Sparks Family is in my thoughts and prayers. Allow memories of him bring comfort in the days ahead. Ocie Lockhart

- na

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We love our cousin. Betty Hill Fielder, Hazel Hill Hughley, & Mable Hill

- na

Mr. Sparks will be missed dearly,his kindness, soft spoken words, he was a dear friend to us here at Auburn Bank. Our deepest condolences to the family. May God continue to bless you and give you strength is our pray.

- na

Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. Praying for your strength during this time. Stephanie Jenkins

- na

My condolence to the Sparks family. Rest in peace Mr.Sparks! Briggett Summers and family.

- na

To the Sparks Family from the Hughley Family, New York, NY May God give you peace and comfort during this time of bereavement. Just know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We will always Remember Deacon Sparks for his incredible smile, welcoming spirit and his extraordinary style of dressing. We love him as a brother and will truly miss him. Brother/Sister Harris and Patricia Hughley

- na

My. Sympathy. And. Prayers. Go's. Out. To. The. Sparks. Family. Minister. Williard. Lewis

- na

He is such a good friend to my daddy and all of our family. He has always been there to visit, call and give us encouragement during any of our trying times with our parents. He and daddy have a special bond that cannot be described. He has exemplified how to be a great father, husband and friend. Please know that he has left a mark on so many lives. Sending heartfelt love to you guys and keeping you all lifted by name.. The Pitts Family

- na

Sending condolences and prayers to the family. Diane Kindred-Heard and Family

- na

My condolences to the family. With Love Polly and Tezo Frederick

- na

I have many fond memories of my cousin Wilbert planning the Sparks family reunions. He would always go above and beyond to make sure the family would have an enjoyable gathering. He was such a humble kind hearted person and I will never forget that million dollar smile. You fought the good fight so now take your rest my dear cousin. May God comfort you family and give you peace to get through this difficult time. Lartim Williams Harker Heights, Tx

- na

Sending my condolences to the family, Mr.Wilbert was one of the nicest men I know, his presence will truly be missed by many. May he RIP. Pam Spinks

- na

Condolences And Prayers To The Sparks Family, The Stinson Family

- na

Wilbert always had a smile. Quiet and soft spoken. REST IN PEACE AND TO THE FAMILY ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES. YOUR COUSINS WILLIE & BETTY TAYLOR

- na

Prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Julia Rowell-Finley

- na

Mr. Sparks was always so kind and soft spoken. He always had a smile no matter how bad he felt. I will miss him coming into Four Seasons FCU. Prayers for the family.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Harris Funeral Home, Inc. | Opelika, AL