Johnie Barbara Sparks

On a peaceful Saturday afternoon, October 4th, 2025, at 2:54 p.m., our be-loved mother, Johnie B. Sparks, completed her earthly journey and made her transition into glory. She was gently released from the pain and struggles of this world and welcomed into a place of everlasting peace, love, and joy.

Johnie began her story on January 2nd, 1939, in Ruleville, Mississippi, born to the loving union of Eugene Bradley and Willie Mae Whitehead. She was the eldest of their four children and quickly took on the role of nurturer and leader among her siblings.

In 1941, the family packed up their dreams and faith and moved west to California, joining Eugene's brother. Johnie would later affectionately refer to that move as their "Start of a New Life." It was there that her roots of faith, family, and perseverance grew even deeper.

At just 11 years old, Johnie confessed her love for Christ, and by 12, she joined the Union Baptist Church in San Pedro, California, and was baptized—a decision that shaped the course of her entire life. She attended Gompers Junior High and later graduated from John C. Fremont High School in 1957. During this time, she became active at Palm Lane Church of God in Christ, where she was first introduced to sanctification. In that joyful atmosphere of praise, she mastered the tambourine playing it with the kind of rhythm and passion that could lift any service to heaven's doorstep.

In November of 1961, Johnie's prayers were answered in the most beautiful way. She met Theoties Eli Sparks, the man who would become the love of her life. He had recently moved from Arkansas to California to live with his sister.

At the time, Johnie was babysitting for his older sister, Naomi, and both she and Theoties attended Gethsemane Baptist Church.

When they met, Johnie was a young single mother raising two precious children-Kenneth, age 2, and Renee, just 1 months old. She prayed earnestly for a good man—one who would love her and her children wholeheartedly. God heard that prayer and answered it through Theoties. The two fell in love, and on May 5th, 1962, they were united in holy matrimony.

Their love grew into a lifelong partnership and was blessed with two more sons, Jaythan and Christopher, completing their family of six.

She was a faithful member of Gethsemane Christian Love Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Charles Jackson, and then the late Reverend L.C. Jackson, until she moved her church membership to be in service with her husband at St. Mark AME Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Lawrence Knighten.

In 1988, the family relocated to the Antelope Valley and she began attending First Baptist Church, under the leadership of, then Pastor Henry Hearns.

When her husband retired, they both started attending Holy Trinity AME Church, where Reverend Benjamin Hollins was their pastor. Needless to say, that Johnie B Sparks spent a majority of her life serving and worshiping God, within the four walls of the church as well as outside the four walls of the church. She attended Vally Christian Church were Reverend Darryl Downs was her pastor, until he retired, and then her last official church membership was with New Beginning Clearer Vision Church, of Palmdale.

When the Lord called Theoties home on May 22nd, 1997, it left a deep ache in Johnie's heart. Yet even in her sorrow, she drew strength from her faith, believing with all her heart that their separation was only temporary. She often said that the memories they built together were her bridge to joy.

Through her faith, her children, and the countless lives she touched, Johnie continued to live with grace, laughter, and love.

Johnie B. Sparks leaves to cherish her memory: her four devoted children - Kenneth (and wife Sharon Traylor), LaWanda (and husband Burnell Bonner), Jaythan (and wife Shanthra Sparks), and Christopher (and wife Cheryl Sparks); one brother-in-law, Napoleon Sparks; and two sisters-in-law, Verlean Wyatt and Betty Beard.

She leaves her three siblings: Bobbie Bullock of Nevada, Debra Bradley of Los Angeles County, and Terri Bradley of Los Angeles County. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as her extended family, dear friends, and her beloved church families who were a constant source of strength, laughter, and support throughout her life.

Johnie's legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will live on through everyone she touched. She was a woman of prayer, wisdom, humor, and grace always ready with a smile, a song, or a word of encouragement. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains forever woven into the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Her story is not one of sorrow, but of faith fulfilled, love shared, and a life well-lived.