Helen Sparks

SHELBY- Mrs. Helen Wright Sparks, 96, formerly of Patterson Street, died Friday, September 17, 2010 at Carolina Care in Cherryville. A native of Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Josh Benjamin and Lola Toney Wright. Mrs. Sparks was a member of Second Baptist Church and retired from the City of Shelby as a crossing guard. The happiest days of Mrs. Spark’s life is when she was taking care of her children. She enjoyed Shopping, cooking, flowers, and playing the piano.

PRECEDED: In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Wade Willis Sparks; 3 brothers; and 7 sisters.

SURVIVED: She is survived by her two sons, Bobby Roger Sparks and wife Gail of Gastonia and Steve Sparks and wife Jean of Lawndale; two daughters Carolyn Beattie of Waco and Sherry Mason and husband Gary of Cherryville; one sister Evelyn of California; 2 grandchildren, David Sparks and wife Donna of Shelby and Fashion Mason of Cherryville; three step grandchildren, Jack Ledford and wife Jenny of Belmont, Angie Norris of Gastonia, and Frank Impinna and wife Paulette of Shelby; and 12 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.

SERVICES: Services will be held, 12pm, Monday, September 20, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

BURIAL: Cleveland Memorial Park

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215-3220 and Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

CLERGY: Dr. Reginald Dawkins will be officiating.

BURIAL: Burial will immediately follow in Cleveland Memorial Park.

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.