Leigh Boggs Sparks

Leigh Boggs Sparks was born October 5, 1952 in Lanett, Alabama, and started her eternal journey on August 7, 2026. She made the transition peacefully at home in Hoover, Alabama with her husband holding her hand.

Leigh’s life was one of dedication to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and a total devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was also a loving daughter, sister, and friend to all. She truly had no enemies and treated all with love and compassion.

Leigh lived her faith in Christ every day and was not ashamed to proclaim the Gospel by word and deed. She was a faithful member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church for more than 40 years and served in many capacities from volunteering in the nursery to teaching a Parenting By Grace course to young parents.

She graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, having gone back to finish her undergraduate degree as a 30-year-old, and making the President’s List every quarter. She was a kindergarten teacher at Rocky Ridge Elementary School for 19 years and had such a lasting positive impact on the lives of young students and fellow teachers alike.

Leigh was proud to have served on the committee forming the Hoover School System. Upon her retirement from teaching, she was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Hoover Rotary Club for her dedication to education in Hoover.

She was married to Larry Sparks for 44 years and is survived by him and by daughters, Lauren Bennett (Auston), Holley Dickinson (Greg), Leslie Wingard (Mason), and Allison Nichols (Patrick). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Caton Battles (Zach), Colby, Cally and Cade Bennett, Thomas and Lily Dickinson, Charlie and John Wingard, and Annie, Hazel and Henry Nichols; and two great-grandchildren, Gray and Bennett Battles. She is also survived by her father, Bobby Boggs; brother, Lynn Boggs (Kendall); and sister, Laine Hopley.

Leigh was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Boggs.

The private interment will be at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo on Monday, August 10, 2026, to be followed by a Celebration of Life in the Worship Center at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Following the service, all are invited to attend a luncheon in Leigh’s memory at the church’s Fellowship Hall. Please attend and have some informal time to visit with family and friends.

Reverend Tommy DeRamus will officiate at the services Monday, and the pallbearers will be all sons-in-law and older grandsons: Auston Bennett, Greg Dickinson, Mason Wingard, Patrick Nichols, Colby Bennett, Thomas Dickinson, Cade Bennett, and Zach Battles.

The family would like to thank the staff of Affinity Hospice, Cassandra Jackson, Tea Rutledge, Cindy Hardy, Ron and Nancy Richardson, Dr Greg and Leeanne Eudy, Anne and Milt Chamberlain, the Chamberlain Sunday School Class, Mike and Sandy Miller, Anthony and Ellen Olive, Austin and Kristi Merritt, all of the special Camaro Lane neighbors, Ralph and Carleen Ozley, and the Encouragement Team and ministry staff of Shades Mountain Baptist Church for their kindnesses shown in so many ways.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Leigh Sparks' memory to Big Oak Ranch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or to your local church or a charity of your choice.