Mary Strange Sparrow

Mary Strange Troutman Sparrow, 92, died June 2, 2012, at The Carrington Nursing Home in Starkville, Mississippi. Strange, as she was known to her many friends in Charlotte, was born August 11, 1919, in Polkton, NC, to Thaddeus and Mabel Bennett Troutman. She married Clarence A. (Jack) Sparrow on Christmas Day, 1938, and spent her adult life in the Steele Creek Community of Charlotte before moving to Starkville in September, 2008. She was a resident of Cantrell's Personal Care home until 2011, when she moved to Brooklyn Hall Personal Care Home. Her life was characterized by selfless devotion to family and friends. She will be buried on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 1:30 PM in the cemetery ofSteele Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. A service to celebrate her life will follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00 PM. Mary Strange was noted for her butter mints, a talent that she acquired during the 1950's. She made each pound by hand, pulling them until they could be cut with scissors and put into a canister normally used to contain theater movies. She also became a noted quilter, making covers of her own design and giving them to family. Her neighbors on Riverdale Drive benefited from her generosity, especially during the time when vegetables were to be picked and canned. Strange Sparrow was a faithful member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday school classes to both youth and adults. Meticulous preparation was a hallmark of her leadership. Mrs. Sparrow was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years. She is survived by her son, Charles Sparrow and daughter-in-law Martha Cardwell Sparrow of Starkville, Mississippi. She was devoted to her grandson Charles Sparrow, Jr., his wife Nicole Hartness Sparrow and their children Shelby Grace Sparrow and Jackson Henry Sparrow, of Atlanta, Georgia, and to her granddaughter Jennie Susanne Sparrow, her husband David Lowenthal and their daughter Rachel Sparrow Lowenthal, of Tucson, Arizona. Welch Funeral Home in Starkville and McEwen Funeral Home in Charlotte are in charge of arrangements. An on-line guest register is available at http://www.welchfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28217, or to a charity of one's choice .