Venus C. Sparks

Venus C. Sparks, 88, of Whitehall, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, February 8, 2011. She was born September 6, 1922 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky to the late Worth, Sr. and Viola Collins. Venus retired from AT&T. She was the matriarch of her family and helped to raise her grandchildren. She was a great homemaker, very helpful, generous, feisty, and patriotic. She loved to read and loved people. Venus loved to attend Pine Hills Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; daughter, Judy; brothers, Worth Jr. and Floyd; sister, Helen; and sons-in-law, Jack Bowling and Bob Downing. Venus will be missed by her daughter, Jean Bowling; grandchildren, Robin (Wayne) Cook, Selma, AL, Tara (Dave) Carraher, Reynoldsburg, Toni (Wayde) Carter, Marshfield, ME, Brent (Janine) Downing, Reynoldsburg, Julie (Eric) Fillinger, Cullman, AL, Leeann (Brian) Wagenbrenner, Pataskala, Sparkie (Sara) Downing, Whitehall, and Kyle (Lindsay) Downing, Reynoldsburg; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters, Frankie (Bob) Johnson, Hemet, CA and Sue Montgomery, Knoxville, TN; brother, Ray (Carol) Collins, Port Richey, FL; and sister-in-law, Gwen Stevens, Riverview, MI. Family will receive friends Friday, February 11, 2011 from 6-8pm at SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:30am, Rev. Jeffrey E. Farr, officiating. Interment to follow in Franklin Hills Memory Gardens. Contributions may be made in Venus’ memory to Pine Hills Baptist Church, 5164 Ivyhurst Dr., Columbus, OH 43232. To view Venus’ video tribute or offer condolences to her family, visit www.schoedinger.com.