Donna Lou Sparks

Donna Lou Sparks, 87, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

Donna was born in Oak Ridge, Mo., to O.B and Juanita Gaines Smith. After retiring from Dr Pepper Bottling Company and Chickasaw Hospital, Donna devoted a profound amount of her time volunteering in the Blytheville community. She spent countless hours serving with the American Red Cross and as a board member with the United Way. She was the past president and state officer of Blytheville Jaycettes and was a former member of Blytheville General Federated Women’s Club. Donna’s faith played an important role in her life. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and was always helping with ministries within the church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Sparks; sister, Sue Smith Razer; sister-in-law, Jean Smith; and brother-in-law, Charles Melsoni.

Donna is survived by her children, Paula Crowder Wallace and her husband Edwin of Steele, Mo., and Bret Sparks and his wife Emma of Osceola; grandchildren, Tabatha Simpson Farrow, Heather “Nikki” Sparks, Kathleen Crowder, Will Sparks and Lydia Sparks; brother, Gaines Alan Smith of Wilson; and sister, Phyllis Melsoni of Derby, Kan.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Donna’s honor. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.