Ann Sparks

Mary “Ann” Sparks, longtime resident of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully on the 7th day of January 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on the 24th day of February 1941, in Nacogdoches County, Texas to James Roy Tyner and Mary Helen Dennard.

Mrs. Sparks was a longtime member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ, where she devoted much of her time to spreading the Christian faith.  She was an excellent mother, who catered tirelessly for her children and grandchildren, ensuring that they were nurtured with love, and delicious home-cooked meals. Her love story with her husband, Dale, was one of mutual devotion. Each morning, she would rise before the sun to prepare breakfast for him before he went to work, a daily ritual that exemplified her role as an excellent wife.

Mrs. Spark's interests and passions painted the picture of a life lived with joy. A huge Elvis fan, she found delight in his music and the era he represented. Her love of camping reflected her appreciation for nature, and she cherished the times spent outdoors with her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.  Her pets were also a source of immense happiness. She cared for them with the same love and attention she gave to her family.

Above all, Ann Sparks loved being around her family. Her home was a hub of activity, laughter, and love, where everyone was always welcome. She was a true matriarch whose legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents James and Mary Tyner, and her brother-in-law, Carlos Blanco.

Mrs. Sparks will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever by her family and friends.  She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Dale Sparks; daughter, Denise Carroll; sons, Jeff Sparks and wife Emily, and David Sparks and wife Jennifer; sister, Linda Sue Blanco; and her grandchildren, Chance Carroll, Britney Bettes, Logan Sparks, Brynne Cooper, Ali Thomas.  Mrs. Sparks is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Lila Ann Bettes, Rory Dale Bettes, Gentry Wren Sparks, Rover Allen Sparks, extended family members and many friends.

A Celebration of Life service is to be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, the 11th day of January 2026 at Crockett Road Church of Christ with Dan Manuel officiating the service.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Crockett Road Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed towards American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), https://www.aspca.org/.

Memorial and cremation services for Ann Sparks are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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