Lillian Jane Lester Sparks
November 24, 1928 – January 13, 2023
SPARKS, Lillian Jane Lester, 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 13, 2023. Mrs. Sparks was pre-deceased by her husband of 44 years, Rev. Dr. Henry Garland Sparks, her parents Francis and Mary Jane Lester, and her eleven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, David Sparks (Marion), daughters Lois Loy (Eddie), Jean Blankenship (Jimmy), Amy Huml (Jerry), six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Sparks was a devoted pastor’s wife, as Rev. Sparks served churches in Society Hill, SC, Orchard Park, NY, Emporia, VA, and Louisa, VA, where she lived until 2022. She served as the librarian at the Louisa Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library from 1974-1994. She is fondly remembered for sharing her love of reading with children and adults in Louisa County.
Funeral services will be at Louisa Baptist Church in Louisa on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1:00 pm. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Louisa Baptist Church.
Special thanks to the employees of the Gordon House and Dogwood Village who lovingly cared for her during the last twelve months of her life.
Not a more loving, gracious and kind person than Lillian Sparks. Always with a smile and kind word. Her legacy lives on in her children, and their children, and their children… A true reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For 36 years, this sweet lady was our good neighbor and caring friend who always shared her great sense of humor at just the right moments. Our thoughts and prayers are with her very dear family.
I remember how my Aunt so enjoyed her sweet visits . Sometimes Mrs Sparks would be in pain with her back but always made that visit and how much it meant to my aunt. A kind sweet caring lady Mrs Sparks was.
Lois,
Although I didn’t know your mother well, each time you and I talked about her, she became more familiar. I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family and pray that your memories will soon make your hearts smile. God bless!
Years back, when Jan and I first came to LBC, Lillian was one of the first to warmly greet us and make us feel at home. She never failed to greet us and say a few words thereafter. She was a wonderful lady indeed. She will be missed!
Jean & family, May God give you the needed strength to celebrate the life of your beautiful Mom. Sending hugs and prayers for all.
Don and I send our deepest sympathy to Lillian’s family. We became connected to Garland in a way shared by many- he performed our wedding. The years she and Garland were closely associated with Yanceyville Church were a blessing to us. We learned a richer, fuller meaning of love through our relationship with Lillian, Garland, and you all. I hope knowing the impact her life had on others eases somewhat the painful knowledge that she has gone from this world. Love to you all!
Frances J. Smith
I am sending prayers, sympathy and love to the ” Lillian Sparks family”. Lillian will be missed by many.
Mrs. Sparks was such a kind and loving person. ❤️
Mrs. Sparks was a very sweet lady. She was always friendly and welcoming to my family at church where we met her. She will be greatly missed.
Lois, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Lois & family,
My condolences for the loss of your sweet mom. I always enjoy hearing the stories you share about your parents and I know she will continue to stay close by in your heart. Sending love and God’s comfort during this difficult time.
Love
Hope
Mrs Lois and Family. We like to send our condolences to you and your family. Although I was at the Gordon House for just a few months it was a dash I will always remember. I was able to meet great people while I was there. Mrs Sparks was one of them. Everyday while at work I would wave through the door as I passed by to go to my desk and she always waved back and had a smle on her face. She loved her baby dolls and receiving her cards I would read to her. My you find peace and comfort knowing she is with our Lord Jesus.
My Dear Friend My Giggle Friend
Lillian and I were friends for 40+ years. After my husband Bill and I moved from Louisa to Richmond, then Charlottesville, Lillian and I called on the phone two to four times a month. She was my “Giggle Friend.” We compared notes about our families.
She kept me up to date about Louisa news.
Of all the places I worked in the Library Field, working with Lillian as Assistant Branch Manager was my favorite.
We found joy in each other. It didn’t matter what the topic of conversation was when we chatted, we enjoyed the sounds of our voices.
I will always remember that..
Karen – I wish mom were alive to read this. She would have enjoyed it so much. She truly cherished your friendship.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Sparks passing. She was such a wonderful and sweet lady. She was good friends with my grandfather, Stephen Glover, who has also passed. I know her family and friends will miss her very much.