Lillian Sparks

Lillian Warham Sparks, daughter of the late James & Lilian Warham, was born May 5, 1927 in Tunstall, England and departed this life on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri. She attained the age of 82 years, seven months, and eleven days. Lillian grew up and attended school in England. On May 11, 1946, she and George Perry Sparks were married in England, while George was stationed with the United States Army Aircorp. To this union, a daughter, Linda Marie, was born October 30, 1949 in Waltham, Massachusetts. While George was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan, a "special gift" was received on Christmas Eve 1959 - a 27-day-old daughter, Mitzi Lelane, who they adopted. After serving 23 ½ years in the United States Air Force, George and Lillian retired in Lebanon, Missouri in September, 1966. Lillian was employed by the H. D. Lee Company, working at both the Commercial Street and Lebcut plants, for over 21 years. Lillian became a United States citizen in early 1950's and loved her new home - she took her right to vote very seriously and voted at every election. She was truly defined as a mother - putting her children and grandchildren first. She always put others, her family, and her friends before herself. She was a defender of all things helpless. Lillian loved puzzles, television, winter, snow, flowers, gardening, and watching "her" birds outside on the birdfeeders. Lillian will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; two brothers, two sisters, and one granddaughter. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Linda Schmitz and her husband, George; and Mitzi Sparks, both of Waynesville; seven grandchildren: George Schmitz, Jr.; Dawn Merrill and husband, Ken; Brenda Gray and husband, Mike; Lillian Massie and husband, Rick; James E. Mayfield, II; Jennifer Robinson and husband, Danny; Holland Shaughnessy and husband, Michael; nine great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons; other relatives and friends. A memorial gathering was held from 1:30 – 3:30 pm Sunday, December 20, 2009 in the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, Missouri. Interment will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lillian Sparks and left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Lillian Sparks

May 5, 1927 - December 16, 2009