After graduating as valedictorian of Holdenville High School’s class of 1945, she was employed by the Hughes County Superintendent’s office. On September 15, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, Emet Sparks, at the end of WWII. The couple moved from Alameda, California to Oklahoma City when Emet was discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
Nadine graduated magna cum laude from Central State University at the age of 55; inspiring others that you’re never too old to try something new. She went on to teach Special Education in Oklahoma City Public Schools making a difference in the lives of many children.
Nadine loved spending time with family and she and Emet were Master Gardeners sharing a love for flowers, plants and trees. She was a member of the 84th Street Church of Christ and taught Sunday school in the Church for many years; she loved sharing her passion for the Bible with young children.
Whether playing school or office with grandchildren; singing, dancing, shopping, crafting or working in flowerbeds, she was a favorite among her grandchildren who treasure the memories of sleepovers with “Teta and Papa.” She was extremely generous, never turning anyone away who needed help of any kind and contributing to a number of charitable organizations through the years.
Above all things, she will be remembered by her family as a deeply faithful, Christian woman, loving wife, mother and grandmother with the most gentle, loving, fun spirit. She leaves behind an incredible legacy and example of a lifelong learner and lover of life. Her infectious curiosity and love, nourished and guided us all and she will live on in each of us as we remain forever grateful for her presence in our lives. Nadine made the world a better place for her having been here.
Nadine was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Elaine Triplett, and brother Neil Worthy. She is survived by her children Stanton Sparks and wife DeAnn of Oklahoma City, Les Sparks of Edmond, Jana McKee and husband Bobby of Moore and Nathan Sparks and wife Mindy of Tuttle; grandchildren, Casie Harrington and husband Eric of Mustang, Sam Sparks of Florida, Amy Sparks of OKC, Tony Sparks of OKC, Erica Bollinger and husband Bradley of Edmond, Jennifer Talbert and husband J.D of Edmond, Jesse Sparks of Yukon, Jeremiah Sparks of Yukon, Anistyn Sparks of Tuttle, Malyri Ryan and husband Seth of Florida, Taylor Harris and wife Jacqueline of Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Makayla Harrington, Katie Harrington, William Bollinger, Sophia Talbert, Lincoln Talbert, Haven Harris, Gage Harris and Evangeline Harris.
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