BEATRICE P. SPARKS, 82, of Wilmington, OH, died August 19, 2014 at The Willows-Citation in Lexington, KY.

Mrs. Sparks was born June 1, 1932 in Norton, VA, a daughter of the late James and Donna Griffith Hays.

She was a member of Macedonia Church.

She is survived by 2 sons, Mark Baker and Dale Sparks; 1 daughter, Sheila Chesney; 2 sisters, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Sparks on November 7, 2005; her parents; 1 daughter, Rita Baker; 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through her time of illness. Yet, even throughout her own struggle with this battle, she always reached out to others. Even while others were attempting to be a blessing to her, she inevitably was a blessing to them. She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Bea faithfully cared for family and friends throughout her life. She was a true Proverbs 31 woman of faith and her family called her blessed. Bea is now free from pain, heartache, and debilitating illness and resting in the arms of her Heavenly Father, her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. While we miss her now and our grief is nearly unbearable, we know she is far better off. It would be her desire to point friends and family, who do not yet know the Lord, to Him as we celebrate her life.

-Written by her Pastor David VanHoose