Ethel Cleo Sparks

October 30, 1930 - July 20, 2008

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Services:

 

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Visitation:

 

Viewing/Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 PM.

 
 
Ethel Cleo Sellers Sparks, 77 of Great Mills, MD died at her residence on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Cleo, who did not use her first name of Ethel, was born October 30, 1930 in Riverview, VA. She came to Maryland in the early 1940’s with her parents, the late Dallas and Bertie Sellers of Valley Lee along with her three sisters and one brother. Cleo met and fell in love with George Sparks. They were married at the Episcopal Church in Leonardtown on June 17, 1946. They endured many ups and downs but theirs was a lasting love of 62 years. During her life she worked at the Atwood Bus Station, Belvedere Motel, Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the Lord Calvert Motel and Restaurant. Cleo’s greatest joy in life was her family. Besides her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was mammaw and aunt to many, many more. Her door was always open to anyone that needed a helping hand or a good friend. There was always a hot cup of coffee and a meal. After your visit you were counted as a friend. She loved to crochet and was most proud of the many beautiful baby sets she made for her children and many others. After having a heart attack in May and a stroke, she was determined to make a blanket and cap for her newest great-grandson. With the help of her daughter she completed her task with time to spare. She welcomed the newest addition to her family in late June. Cleo was also an avid book reader and loved mystery. One of her greatest pleasures was to know a secret before others. She was always eager to learn all she could. Cleo and George loved to travel around the United States and visit with family and friends. Many hours were spent together working in the garden. She and George canned and preserved a lot of their own vegetables. She loved working in the yard and sharing her flowers with friends. Cleo was very proud of her children that have worked in the military. During her lifetime, two of her sons were in the Army and served in Vietnam and a grandson served in Iraq. Two other children were in the Air Force. When you went to visit she would talk of her love and support for her soldier boys as she would call them. Her children brought many friends home with them at a moments notice and her and dad always made them welcome. She was the devoted mother of: Wallace Sparks, Tommy Sparks and his wife Pam, Steve Sparks, Debbie Shorback of Great Mills, George L. Sparks and his wife Debbie, Denna (DeeDee) Norris and her husband Ronnie, Dan Sparks and his wife Lou, Bobby Sparks and his wife Patty of Hollywood, MD Janice (Cissy) Chaney and her husband Randy of Port Tobacco and Ronald (Chris) Sparks of California. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, her brother Bobby Sellers and his wife Brenda of Mechanicsville, MD and her uncle Gene Sexton of King George, VA. Cleo was preceded in death by her sons James Dallas (JD), Ernie Ray and Barry Ken Sparks, her sisters Marie Clark, Unive Dean and Cassie Underwood. Mom would want us to be sure and tell all her friends and family thanks for all the love and support. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.  Pallbearers will be Wallace K. Sparks, Sr., Thomas T. Sparks, George L. Sparks, Sr., Steve C. Sparks, Chris Sparks, Sr., Dan A. Sparks, Bobby L. Sparks, Miks E. Sparks and Wallace K. Sparks, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons. Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 415 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4101.

Guestbook Signatures and Condolences

"Its been a year and the pain isn't any easier I miss you so much mama, keep my mom straight for me cause you know her, Aunt Pat and Pop Pop are going to cause some trouble until we meet again love you and miss you with every beat of my heart. "
- j delay
- Posted: Saturday, September 26, 2009

"I love you Naner."
- laura s~
- Posted: Wednesday, September 2, 2009

"grandma i miss you. "
- me ~
- Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"Just thinking of u lately and to tell u stuff but u already know just like u did when u were here. i love u naner"
- laura s
- Posted: Wednesday, April 8, 2009

"pop-pop and all of the kids sorry about mama she was a smart woman. i miss her alot if you need any help tell me."
- natalie chapman
- Posted: Friday, December 5, 2008

"It's me again.. I'm having one of those bad nights that I could just come jump in your arm and you made the world alright for those few minutes and told me everything would be alright! I think of you often and and miss you alot, but it's times like these that I miss you the most. You were my stength. I love you Grandma and miss you so much!"
- laura sparks l
- Posted: Sunday, October 26, 2008

"Grandma I miss you so much and I think about you often ever thing I do reminds me of you and you made me who I am and I wouldn't want to be any one else! Adam this morning saw your picture on my phone and he waved hi and I didnt even have to tell him to. We go to your house and he looks 4 you! I miss you so much grandma I never cry but I cry for you. I love you so much ."
- laura sparls
- Posted: Friday, September 19, 2008

"Love and blessings to all of you for your loss. The words were true, she was just a very kind and welcoming person and someone you will never forget. I was happy to be able to spend a little time with her before her passing and I will always hold that dear to my heart. I can't help but laugh thinking about the last time I was there, she wanted to make sure "I" had something to eat. I just couldn't believe it! But that is just who she was, that was her heart. Remember and cherish those times always, the good memories- keep her with you always, she deserves it. "
- Melissa Brooks
- Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008

"For You Mom To Dad, mom loved you with all her heart. She always, said, " she got the best looking man in the mountains." Oh what a beautiful lady she was! To mom's children, she loved us unconditionally. Oh what beautiful lady she was! To mom's brother, (Bobby) mom loved you so... Mom's heart soared of so much love for you. Oh what a beautiful lady she was! To mom's grandchildren and great grandchildren. You were the twinkles in her eyes. Oh what a beautiful lady she was! To all mom's special ladies, Anitta Knot, Lilly Sexton, Vennie Barnes, & Mary Ann Adkins. Her life long cousin & friend a brother too her, Geroge Barnes. You were all by her bedside, everyday, holding her hand, loving her, caring so gentle for her. Oh what a beautiful lady she was! To all mom's special friends, their is so many of you. You came too see her, you shared your stories of her. the gentle loving words that came from your hearts. Oh what a beautiful lady she was! to Barb, mom just met you a little over two months, ago. It's like you were always a part of her. Barb, you cared for mom, so gentle, so loving. Barb, God Bless You, your wonderful son (Jeff) that you love so dear. Thank you, with love. A safe return home, Jeff. Oh what a beautiful lady she was! Mom's precious gifts From GOD, their is so many of you. Mom has always showed each & everyone of you, how special you were & you are. Oh what a special lady she was! To Father Ray, Mike Garner Mom would say, "Thank You" for what you are doing for her. An you would just smile and hug her. Oh what a beautful lady she was! For you Mom Love Debbie "
- Debbie Shorback
- Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

"We all have been touched by angel if you ever had the chance 2 meet her (or one of us) u know what I mean when I say she always had a great heart, words of wisdom, a wonderful story 2 tell, a hand 2 hold, a shoulder 2 cry on, an ear 2 listen, a place 2 run 2 when the world was 2 much 2 handle or just 2 have fun, a place where u can be a kid! But most of all she loved all of us just the way we were, no matter how we came or how different we were or what we had done she loved us and never judged us. We were her loved ones, her family, her pride and joy! She loves every one of us in her own special way! U didn't even have 2 be blood! U could call her up and ask or tell her anything and know she wouldn't tell anyone but most of the time she just called 2 say hi! Everyone loved her BG! She always had a smile on her face, she told my sister that I was going 2 have a baby 2 months be4 I even got pregnant with my son (I wish someone had filled me in) he loves his grandma (and his pop) so much they would eat cookies, pudding and laugh till they couldn't laugh anymore he loved going 2 grandma and pop pops house because in their eyes he could do no wrong. I still remember grandma saying don't yell at that baby! He could do no wrong he was at home grandma would say! We all have our memories and always will! I will never forget what my grandma did 4 me and others and the time I shared with her! She will walk through life with me! She made me who I am today a strong wonderful young woman that I am is all because she never left my side and she'll always be in my heart! I miss u so much grandma sometimes it is hard 2 bare I look down at Adam and know that you're looking down on us, no longer hurting and trapped in that body that just wouldn't work anymore! We love u and miss u so much! But we are so glad u got to fulfill your last dream! I hope when I pass that I've done, seen, heard, and touched as many people as u have! I love u grandma! Ur body is in the ground, your soul is with god and your sprit is in each one of us so 2 me u will never die! Love u "
- Laura & Adam sparks
- Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

"I LOVE CLEO AND I KNOW SHE IS IN HEAVEN"
- Robert Wireman
- Posted: Saturday, July 26, 2008

"Grandma theres so many things that I want to say but I can't put them into words, because you've done so much for me and anyone that walked into your home. The thing is i'll miss you so much but i know your with my dad in heaven and saying "what in the world is that girl doing" haha. I'll think back and I will remember all the good times and i'll laugh but I always know your with me and with my dad. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!! "
- Brittany Shorback
- Posted: Friday, July 25, 2008

"I do this with tears in my eyes. She was our grandmother, sister, mother, aunt, our rock. She cared about everyone, and we cared about her. I love you grandma. You will always be in our hearts."
- Carrie Sparks
- Posted: Friday, July 25, 2008

"Our deepest condolences to each of you! Mrs. Sparks, was such a kind, caring person. I will never forget when my Dad died, she came to see my Mom numerous times. It may have been to bring food, or just a ear to listen, or a shoulder for my Mom to cry on. She was such a sweet sweet lady. She will be missed by so many people. Just know that she is still in each of your heart's and she's watching over each of you. "
- Johnny & Mary Bean
- Posted: Friday, July 25, 2008

"There is another angel in heaven now. Mom was a great lady and I her and her dad very much. Thank You God for letting her be apart of my life. Sandra"
- Sandra Linder
- Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008

"Jackie, I had the honor and pleasure to grow up across the street from your Grandma, with fond memories of playing with you and your cousins as kids! I'm very sorry to hear about her passing away. I had the greatest respect for Cleo and the love and devotion which she had for her family. Her generous nature, sharing, and her remarkable sense of humor will greatly be missed by many! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and keep in touch. Regards, Chrissy"
- Chrissy "Davis" McAlister
- Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008

"Oh what a beatiful lady she was!!! Words from Aunt Debbie. They are so true.. I will miss your smile!! Miss our weekly talks!! Miss our visits!! Miss the wisdom!! Miss the advice!! Most of all I will miss the sunshine you brought to my life. Thank you for all you have done and the love you gave... I will hold all the memories dear and close to my heart... I will miss you and will think of you each and every day... Don't worry, its all going to be alright!!! I promise!! Love ya!! Now your our Angel and you will watch over each and everyone!!! "
- Tonya Robrecht
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"To George,and kids I know what you are going through right now ,but dont worry she's with Dad and Mom,She will be missed.Love Betty and Donald"
- Betty Goddard
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"I feel as though I have met Cloe. In many ways I have- through the eyes and hearts of her granddaughters, Laura and Teresa. What a special lady. Anyone that has met her can truly call themselves blessed! "
- Sharon Petersen
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family at this difficult time. God Bless you all"
- Tony & Eileen Lang
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Our deepest sympathy to the Sparks family at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you."
- Joyce Mattingley and Charles Memorial Gardens Staff
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Words can barely express the sadness that I have for your loss. Your mom was one of the most beautiful woman that we were blessed to know. I imagine a hundred angels singing when she entered the gates of heaven because they can enjoy her, just as we all were able to. I am glad that the angels we sent her over the years and until the end gave her pleasure. You will never imagine the pleasure we had finding something for her to enjoy. God bless you and your family, Jan. "
- Steve & Sally Ramey
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"If there is anyone who didn't get to meet Granny then they will never know the once in a lifetime person she was. She not only raised her own children but also helped to raise many others. Every person she touched is a better person for knowing her. She will always be in our hearts and thoughts. We love you Granny."
- John & Pat Biscoe
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Janice, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She sounds like a wonderful woman and I'm sure she will be loved and missed by many."
- Peggy DeVore
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"To Mom's many family members, special friends, all her extra children and everyone that was ever touched by her loving spirit, the family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the love and Support they have received during this very difficult journey. Your caring and love for mom is the most wonderful Tribute to her that we could have been blessed to be apart of ..................Thank you one and all!!!!!!"
- Janice Sparks Family
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"UNCLE Chris,I love U .I,M SORRY ABOUT MAMAW,MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO U,I,M THINKING ABOUT U,WE ARE FINE HERE STILL HURTS.BUT DAD HAS HER NOW, Hang in there."
- kim sparks/bowles
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"To Chris and All the Sparks Family i'm so sorry to hear About your Mother,Wife. My Thought and Prayers are with You all at this time. David Payne - Charleston S.C."
- David Payne
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"My condolences to the Sparks family. God has called another angel home. You all are in my thoughts in prayers."
- Evelyn 'Beanie' Bean
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Mamawl i knew i shoulda listen to Jackie when she told me to come see you but i didnt. Im sorry i didnt get to see you before you left this earth and to be with my aunts and uncles. But you know what i know your up there ready to beat the crap outta be britt britt and TT! hehe you should be proud Jackie and Darryl are acting like brother and sister! gosh i wish you were here to be with us. I LOVE YOU"
- Randae Renee Sparks
- Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"Teresa & Laura, Treasure the gift of memories of your Grandmother that God has given you. Rejoice in the knowledge that she is now with Jesus in heaven. My prayers are with you. "
- Marcy Catalino
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Our condolences to the entire Sparks family. Cleo was a wonderful person who was always there when you needed her. She always had a smile and a kind word. We will keep you in our prayers."
- Pat & Robert Norris
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"So sorry to hear about Cleo, my deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family."
- ann gregory
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"The entire family sends our condolences to the Sparks family. Never met a more gracious & loving Mom. May you find peace knowing that she is always beside you."
- Gerry & Ray Fowler
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

""Sorry about your loss. If Dee Dee there is anything and we mean anything we can do, please let us know.God Bless." "
- Larry & Cora Norris
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Steve, Bobby, Debbie, Laura, and Teresa,We offer our heartfelt condolences to each of you and your entire family. It was such a pleasure to have known Ms. Cleo. "
- Barbi & Kenny Knott
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"George and family,please accept our condolences for the loss of your beloved Cleo. I have such fond memories of her from years passed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers."
- Philip and Dorothy Spencer
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Mamaw,I Will miss u alot, I will meet u, in heaven soon, Me and JD love u so much,I'm glad u are with him now, And I don't feel sorry for any of us here. My deepest sympathy goes out to popo,U were his life,And U were are to love,barbara ann,kim,tyler, "
- barbara sparks
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Grandma I know ur at peace; I can remember the dream I had three night ago where my father told me he would take care of u. Ur w/him now & I know we have nothing to worry about. To the family angel will be w/the ones who deserve them. God Bless!"
- Tiffany Shorback
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"I LOVE U GRANDMA! "
- JAMIE SHORBACK/FRERICKS
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM.I KNOW IT HAS GOT TO BE HARD FOR YOU ALL.THIS GOES OUT TO ALL THE SPARKS TAKE CARE EVERYONE."
- patricia and donald rice
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"sorry for the loss of your mom. i know it has got to be hard on you all this goes out to all the sparks take care everyone."
- mr & mrs donald and patty rice
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Bobby, Patty, Peggy, and Robby, we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
- Kenny & Janet Wood
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Dear Bobby, Patty, Peggy, Robby and the entire Sparks Family-Our deepest condolences go out to all of you; you are all in our thoughts and prayers. "
- Missy & Gilbert Dorsey
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"George, DoDo, Bobby, and all of the Sparks family -- I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers. God Bless..."
- Luanne Raley
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Condolences to the Sparks family. Tommy, Pam, Wally really sorry to hear about you Mom. "
- Shelly & Dale Wood
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"I had only met your grandma a few times, but Tiffany will always be part of my family and our prayers go out to the entire family. Grandma is now at peace with no more suffering she is now an angel in God's land. "
- Mary Ann, Josh, Miranda and Shelby Clark/Thompson
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Tommy&Wally I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a very sweet woman."
- Joyce Bean
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Mamaw,I,m glad you are happy now,and with my granddad,he will take care of you,I love u.I will miss the birthday card you mail to me,I ever had the chance to see u,But I WILL Think about u,and care for my mom for u,Sorry for your loss granddad Sparks,love u to,I,M not good at this,BUT had to write to MAMAW,and MY mom has done wonderful in her life,She made a life for us here,She done what she learn from u, love Tlyer Sparks-BOWLES"
- Tyler BOWLES
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers."
- Craig & Connie Adkins
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Im so sorry to hear about Ms. Cleo. Met her at a yard sale years ago and got to talking she was somehow related to my family Sexton-Andersons. Always saw her around Wal-Mart she was a very sweet woman. My condolences thoughts and prayers to the family."
- Pam Spalding
- Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"well mamal i did it i amde it home to you and only had a few days with you but i could have never asked for more you always believed i could make a life for myself and i have i love you and i miss you so much but God need an angel and the day he took you he could not have gotten a better one ..... to my family I love you "
- Jaquelyn Delay
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"To DeeDee, Debbie, and all the family: Sorry to hear of your loss. She was special to everyone who met her! She will be missed."
- Barbara Meade-Roth
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"To the Sparks family, if ever there was an angel on earth it would be Cleo! Shes always been there for our family when we needed her. God has his angel in heaven now!"
- Donna Biscoe-Sexton
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL MY 2ND FAMILY,I KNOW MY MOM AND DAD WILL TAKE CARE OF HER IN HEAVEN.WE ALL WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH LOVE, LINDA, ALVIN AND GIRLS"
- LINDA HOBBS-BAGWELL
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"I was never really good about talking about stuff like this, ya know.........but then again i guess it really dosent matter after all....................... cuz words never did-and-still don't describe someone as great as her........wherever you are may you find true happieness mamaw.....r.i.p,r.i.p"
- joshua sparks
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"Bobby, Patty, Peggy, & Robby Our deepest sympathy to you and the extended Sparks family for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Always remember the wonderful memories and keep them alive in your heart. God bless."
- Jim, Dana & Jaclyn Porter
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"Bobby, Patty, Peggy and Robby - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. May God bless you and remind you of the love she gave you all."
- Bill, Cindy, Brittney and Jarrett Dooley
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"LOVE U ALL"
- LAURA SPARKS
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"to the Spark's family please accept our condolences on the passing of Cleo. we all loved her dearly and she was a guardian angel on this earth to my family. whenever we lost someone she was always there giving us support. i know she is in heaven with all the dear ones we have all lost. God bless you all.--crystal, craig, lisa and roger"
- crystal laschalt
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"MY LOVE GO TO MY GRANDMOTHER,WITH ALL MY HEART, WAS TOLD NOT TO COME TO MAMO,FUNERAL, But I still will miss,I will always think about her no one can take that from me,MY dad has her now, I LOVE MY DEAREST FAMILY, HELLO TO ALL"
- KIMBERLY SPARKS/BOWLES
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"I am so sorry for your loss. Cleo was a great person and will be missed. God bless you all."
- jo anne adams
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"My deepest condolences to the Sparks family. You all are in my thoughts in prayers."
- Ginger Bagwell
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"Sorry about your loss. If there is anything and we mean anything we can do, please let us know.God Bless."
- Kathy and Danny Kolbe
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"2 all the Sparks Family: Our thoughts & prayers r w/U all @ this time. She will b greatly missed! God has a very special angel now looking down @ each of U'll! God bless!"
- Shirley Trossbach & Bucky Bellere Jr.
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008

"Tommy, Pam, Wally and rest of the family, we are so sorry to hear about Ms. Cloe. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and the rest of your family."
- Mona & Clinton Smith
- Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008