Velma Sparks

Velma Simms Sparks died peacefully at the age of 93 while visiting family in Tucson, Arizona. She was born and raised on her parent’s farm in Ceres, CA. At a young age, she learned to play piano and excelled at drawing. Several of her stories and drawings were published in Children’s Playmate magazine.

Velma attended Modesto Junior College, and Fresno State, graduating with a B.A. and later a Teaching Credential at Sacramento State. She taught elementary school for three years before marrying her beloved husband, Joe, August 25, 1951. Together, they raised four children in Modesto, CA.

Velma enjoyed writing, drawing, and painting throughout her life. She brought joy to her friends and family through her artistic greeting cards. She was active in her church, and her faith in Jesus Christ was evident in the way she lived her life.

Velma is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Sparks, her parents, Walker and Polly Simms, her brothers, Gail and Willis, her grandson, Daniel Sparks, and many friends. She is survived by her brother Gary; her children, Nancy Sparks, Linda (Steven) Jolliff, Diane (William) Ronning, Alan Sparks; her grandchildren, Amy (Joel) Luckemeyer, Katie (Jeff) Tatum, Melissa Sparks, Bryan (Edyn) Ronning, Shawn (Renee) Sparks, Jennifer Jolliff, Savannah Sparks, and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be on May 19,

Graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, CA 10:30 a.m.

Celebration of life at Centenary Church, Modesto, CA, 2:00 p.m.

Remembrances can be made to Centenary Church, Modesto, CA, American Heart Association, or Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Complementary Therapy Program.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Sparks family.