Born on June 12, 1950, in Elkin, North Carolina, Donna was a daughter of the late Weaver and Helen Walker. She graduated from Starmount High School in 1968 and went on to earn her degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1972.
A devoted member of Bible Baptist Church in Matthews, Donna faithfully served her community and congregation for decades. She dedicated more than 35 years to teaching at Bible Baptist Christian School, where she touched countless lives with her wisdom, kindness, and faith. She especially cherished her time ministering through the Ladies Jubilees and Awana Cubbies.
Donna’s love for reading was matched only by her love for her family. Her greatest joy was found in caring for and spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, Thomas Sparks; three children, Susan Sparks, Brad (Krista) Sparks, and Shannon (Mike) Wesley; six grandchildren, Andrew, Owen, Ava Belle, Aiden, Alex, and Victoria; and her sister, Judy (Dickie) Pardue. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Bible Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens.
For those who cannot attend the service in person, a livestream will be available by clicking the “Join Livestream” icon in the service section below.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or Charlotte Rescue Mission, 915 West 1st Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202.
