Kristie Ellen Sparks

Kristie Sparks, 50, of Great Mills, MD, tragically passed away on January 25, 2022. She was born Kristie Ellen Goings in Farmington, ME on October 23, 1971 to Janice Earlene Goings and the late Richard Dale Goings. In 1972, her parents settled to Lexington Park, MD where Kristie would spend the rest of her life. As a young girl, Kristie was a vivacious and energetic child who loved dancing and music. She also had a very scrappy and tough side to her personality, owing to being the only girl in the family and having to contend with her older brothers, Wendall and Todd, who made it their obligation to make her childhood as memorable as possible. Kristie was especially fond of sports and participated in cheerleading throughout her later school years. While attending Great Mills High School, she met the young man who would eventually become her devoted and loving husband, Wallace “Gator” Sparks. During their courtship and eventual marriage, Kristie endeavored to advance her education, attending Fleet Business School in Annapolis, MD and receiving a certification in Executive Administration. As Kristie and Gator began building a life together, they were blessed with their first child, Colton (20) then their second child, Coby (13). Although Kristie’s professional occupation was Executive Administrative Assistant, anyone who knew her would tell you her family and extended family were her true career. She was very active in participating in the lives of her nephews and nieces, in addition to spending time in Maine with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kristie was always ready to help out with birthday parties, as well as attending sporting and school events, graduations, and holidays. She took great pride in the talents and accomplishments of her family members. Her home was always open to any friend who needed a sympathetic ear and comfort. Kristie was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and during the NFL season it was not uncommon for a visitor dropping by to see Kristie in her latest Dallas jersey enthusiastically yelling at the television. She enjoyed spending time by the beach, taking many vacations with her family to Ocean City, or going four-wheeling during the weekend. She also enjoyed visiting antique stores and looking for the right item to bring home to add to her house. Kristie was a true “Daddy’s Girl”, being very close to her father, from bad moods to good intentions. They loved each other as fiercely as they fought with each other. After her father’s passing, she took great comfort in spending time at the family cabin in Garrett County, MD; it was there that she felt closest to him and truly happy. Kristie was preceded in death by her father, Richard Goings. She is survived by her mother, Janice Goings, her husband of 27 years, Wallace “Gator” Sparks, as well as her brothers, Wendall and Todd Goings, children Colton and Coby Sparks, her nephews and nieces, Adin, Kyle, Hunter, Connor, Kelsey, Alexandra, Allie, Abbey, and her great nephew, Devin. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 12:30 PM with Pastor Chris Owens officiating. Interment will be private. The family would like to invite friends to a small gathering at St. Aloysius Catholic Church Hall, Leonardtown, MD, for refreshments following the funeral service. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.