Susan (Sue) Thomson Sparks, 87, passed away peacefully on September 23 at the Columbus Hospice House in Columbus, Georgia. Sue was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 5, 1937 to Emily Mooney Thomson and David McKinley Thomson. She graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham and attended Auburn University where she found the love of her life, Joe Charles Sparks. Joe and Sue married on November 27, and she quickly embraced being a coach’s wife. Most of her working career was enjoyed at Columbus College and later Columbus State University in the Financial Aid Office, where she enjoyed relationships with many students and was an ardent Cougar. Sue’s greater purpose in life was mothering their five children and supporting them in many activities, most of them being sporting events and practices. She probably attended more games and washed more uniforms than anyone could ever imagine. Sue was extremely knowledgeable about the family member’s sports and was known to be a constructive critic following the contests. Many regarded Sue to be the best coach and cheerleader in the Sparks family!
Sue was a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic church and she enjoyed volunteering with the Springer Theatre, Columbus Sports Council, and the Holy Family Community Outreach Ministry. She was an avid reader and was often found working for hours in her yard.
Sue is survived by her brother and sister, David McKinley Thomson (Olivia) and Emily Thomson Reaves; children, Joe, Jr. “Jay” (Cindy) Sparks, Bobby Sparks, Susie Dunn, Steve Sparks (Allison), and Sharon Nichols; grandchildren and great grandchildren; Emily (Justin) Palmore (Will, Bentley, and Whitten), Bentley (Mary) Sparks (Caroline and Aubrey),
Charlie (Wendy) Sparks (Sam and Kit), Caroline (Kyle) Smith (Kate), Ryan, Dalton, Kacey (Josh) Smith (Hayden, Harlow, Hawkin, and Haddox), Ashley (Christopher) Long (Jaxton, Kamdyn, Luxin, and Maddyn), Levi Dunn, Katie Nichols, Chris (Kendra) Nichols (Beau), and Kellea Nichols.Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Emily and David Thomson, her husband, Joe C. Sparks, Sr., her brother-in-law, Jasper Reaves; daughter-in-law, Mary Sparks; and sons-in-law, Joe Lee Dunn and Rodney Nichols.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Holy Family Catholic Church, Columbus, GA (320 12th Street, Columbus, GA 31901) or Columbus Hospice (7020 Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909). A Rosary service will be held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 24 at the Striffler Hamby Chapel on 4071 Macon Road. Visitation will follow from 5:30-7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Holy Family Church, 320 12th Street in Columbus, with Father Ben Dallas as the celebrant. A private interment will follow.
