Eleanor Keeton Sparks

Sparks, Eleanor Wallace Keeton, of Birmingham passed away on September 11, 2012 at the age of 84. She was born in Tuscumbia, AL on August 3, 1928. She was a graduate of Phillips High School and retired from AmSouth (Regions) Bank after a banking career of 35 years, rising to the position of branch manager and vice-president. She was one of the early female members of Rotary International, Birmingham.

Eleanor was a long-time member of Mt. Vernon Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nelson Bivens Gresky, her father, Andrew Keeton, her husband, James Edwin “Buddy” Sparks and her grandson, Spencer Keeton Young.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters Susan S. Thames (Roy Jr.) of Tampa, FL and Deborah S. Young of Birmingham; grandchildren Courtney T. Shelby (Rick), Branon R. Thames (Michelle), Adam S.Thames (Alicia), Elizabeth Y. Young; great-grandchildren Patrick, Alex and Colin Shelby; Jackson, Connor and Caitlyn Thames.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., followed by services at 2:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1802 Oxmoor Road in Homewood.

Graveside services will be held following the service at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care shown to Eleanor by the staff of Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels, 3712 – 4th Ave. S., B’ham, AL 35222.