Erma Jean Sparks

Erma Jean Sparks, 85, of Locust Grove, AR, passed from this life September 4, 2018 to be with her Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ.  She was born December 31, 1932 in Erbie, AR to John Bayard and Gladys McFerrin.  She graduated high school at the School of the Ozarks in Hollister, MO then attended college at Hillsboro, KS.  She returned to NW Arkansas to teach at several one room school houses on Buffalo River, some of which she attended as a child. It was there she met the love of her life, “Sparky”.  Erma used her beautiful voice for the Lord all her life.  She played her auto harp for nearly 50 years and even taught music and choir at Concord Public Schools.   She was a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, Almond EH Club, and a board member of Concord Senior Citizens Center. Besides music, she enjoyed arranging flowers, cooking, spending time with grandkids, and serving the Lord in church for many years. 

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 56 years, Loyd Arold Sparks, one brother, Glen McFerrin, two sisters, Betty Lou McCurry and husband, Dale, and Loretta Ann Kelly; grandson, Jerod Loyd Sparks; and nephew Ronald McCurry.

Survivors include her children, Richard Sparks and wife Rose; Dloyd Sparks and wife Misty; her grandchildren:  Ryan, wife Nicole, Ethan, wife Jessica, Dalton, Tori, Anna, Macy, her great-grandkids:  Luke Asher and Lake; her sister-in-law, Wahlelle McFerrin; brother-in-law, Phillip Kelly; nieces & nephews:  Rita Robison, David McFerrin, Evelyn Tackett, Gail Ibarra, Patricia McCurry, Michael Kelly, Mark Kelly, Margaret Kelly; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will begin Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Concord Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Terry Johnson officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville. Pallbearers will be Ryan Sparks, Ethan Sparks, Dalton Sparks, Randy Bishop, Gary Jeffery, and Harry Lewis.

A second funeral service will be Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Boxley Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Plumlee Cemetery located at Compton, AR. Arrangements by Holt Memorial Chapel of Harrison. Pallbearers will be Ryan Sparks, Ethan Sparks, Dalton Sparks, Mike Kelly, Mark Kelly, David McFerrin, Wesley Allen Sparks, James Carl Sparks, Matthew Sparks, and Brent Edgmon.