Jo Ann Sparks

August 1, 1935 to September 30, 2016

Jo Ann was born to William and Alice Lawrence August 1, 1935 in Cheyenne Wyoming. She is survived by her sister Sally Corbett, her four daughters Sheryl Mitchell and husband Ron, Laurie Lawrence, Kathleen Bennett and husband Stu, Karen Doebelin, and an extended family that includes ten grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren, three nieces, two nephews and all their families. Her brother Dennis Lawrence passed away January of 2008.

Jo Ann and her family moved to Aurora Colorado in 1943. She graduated from Aurora Central High School in 1953. She married Joe Post in 1953 and had four daughters. In 1966, Jo Ann married Charles Sparks and was widowed in 1992.

Jo Ann was involved in Rainbow Girls as a teenager, her positive experience led her to encourage her daughters to belong to Job’s Daughters. The whole family was very involved in Bethel #1 for more than fifteen years. Jo Ann was also a member of the South Gate Chapter of Eastern Star.

In the 1960’s Jo Ann and Charlie became very involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1. Jo Ann held many offices at the Auxiliary, State, and National level. She served as an award winning Auxiliary President, state of Colorado President and Western Conference Chairwoman of the Ladies Auxiliary. One of her joys was assisting with the chapel services every Sunday at the VA Hospital. She volunteered for many years with the VA Hospital as well as other volunteer organizations and efforts. In tribute to her commitment to volunteerism Jo Ann received the 7 Everyday Hero Award from Denver Channel 7 in November of 2010.

Jo Ann fought a hard battle with Parkinson’s with grace and dignity. She was loved by family, many friends and her caregivers. Jo Ann’s dedication to her family was obvious to everyone. She was a kind, considerate, and loving person. We are grateful she is released from earthly suffering and is now at peace. She will be missed!

Graveside service will be 1pm 10/11/2016 at Olinger Crown Hill. A life celebration will follow services.