Elaine Minerva Sparks

The words of the Lord spoken to Jeremiah saying "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...". These words can be spoken when we remember and reflect on the life and legacy of Mother Elaine Sparks.

Elaine Minerva Sparks, (nee Hackley),98, transitioned peacefully at home from labour to reward early on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending some time in prayer and fellowship virtually with her Elizabeth Hackley Women's Missionary Society family during the monthly meeting the night before.

She was born on January 5, 1928 in Toronto, Ontario, to parents Andrew and Rachel Hackley. She was the eldest of 4 children. Elaine will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted daughter Lynda, her brother Wayman Hackley, (Dundalk, Ontario), nieces, nephews, cousins, goddaughter and a host of friends, including two very special young people, Joshua Brown and Nyah Hernandez. Her impact on the church, on many lives is a testimony to her love for God and for others. She had a heart for service, walked and lived in her God assigned purpose. She was predeceased by Frederick her husband of 55 years, parents Andrew and Rachel Hackley, sisters Eleanor Wilson and Joycelyne McCoy Allen.

Mother Sparks was a proud member of Grant Church for her entire life, all 98 years. She dedicated her life to the service of God, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Women's Missionary Society. From cradle to grave, she served faithfully within the structures of the Women's Missionary Society, holding numerous leadership positions, including serving as the inaugural President of the Canadian Conference Branch YPD, PME Director, Central Area Chairperson, YPD Director, and several other positions. Mother Sparks loved being a part of the Women’s Missionary Society and enjoyed being asked to write litanies and devotions for special occasions. She took a keen interest in young people and was often seen being embraced by them. At her home church, she also served with distinction as Church Treasurer, Chair Pro-Tem of the Steward Board, Class Leader, member of the Lay Organization and Primetimers Ministry, all while holding leadership roles and serving in various other church auxiliaries.

Mother Sparks loved watching her Toronto Blue Jays, Family Feud, playing bowling, word search and mahjong on her iPad and working on the crossword and jumble puzzles in the newspaper in a daily basis. There were days when her iPad had to be charged a couple of times. Her wisdom, keenness, humorous side and sharpness was seen throughout her life and service to God. We thank God for her life and for blazing the torch, lighting the way for us all so we who come behind will be found faithful. As we celebrate her life and who she was, we rejoice in a life well lived, firmly grounded in God’s word and now she rests peacefully.

The family will receive friends at Giffen – Mack Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Avenue (at Main) on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2029 Gerrard Street East, Toronto (east of Woodbine) on Friday,July 24th, 2026 @ 11 a.m. Interment to follow in Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grant A.M.E. Church, memo Missionary Society. Online condolences may be left at giffenmackdanforth.com

May we find comfort in the assurance that Mother Elaine has finished her race and now rests in the presence of her Lord. 🙏🏾

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NKJV)

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8