Dorothy L Sparks

On March 24, 2024, Dorothy Louise (Mansfield) Sparks went home to be with the Lord. Her infectious laughter and sense of humor will be missed. She loved being around people and sharing the Gospel and her love for her Lord. She and her twin Lillian Mae were born August 30, 1928 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Richard H. and Ethel (Dwinell) Mansfield and in 1946 she graduated from Lynn Classical High School. On August 28, 1947 "Dottie" eloped with her childhood sweetheart, William E Sparks Jr. lovingly called "Sparky", and for the next 72 years they played together, fought together, raised six children, moved 62 times, and in their later years shared their love of fishing. On August 17, 2019 Sparky went peacefully to sleep, ending their 72 years together. She worked various jobs to help support the family a few of which are; in 1965 she worked for the California Food Service, in 1979 the Roseburg Newspaper, then 5 years for the Federal Forestry Department in Roseburg, and later she became a massage therapist, mostly to help Sparky with his arthritis. Through all their moves she stayed close to her two brothers, Hank and Evie and her four sisters Rene, Ethel, Lilly and Gloria all of who preceded her in death; she grieved at each passing. Dottie stayed especially close to Ethel's daughter Carole Ann Bannister, who has been faithfully by her side, only a phone call away. We are thankful for her love and dedication. After moving to St. Cloud, Florida in 1991, she was active in the Senior Center where she and hubby Sparky entertained groups with singing in various shows, was an avid member of the Shuffleboard Club, was always up for a challenging game of Scrabble, and reigned as the 30th St. Cloud Winter Queen in 1997, a highlight in her life. For several years she and Sparky attended the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church, where they met Becky Fitz, who became their faithful friend and medical surrogate. God knew that they would need help in the coming years ahead so He blessed them with Becky. God has a special crown for her and we are eternally thankful for her tireless support of Sparky and Dottie. Dorothy had a special gift for writing poetry and in 1996 she felt God's leading to put into print her spiritual poems. And the fruition of her work was entitled "From My Heart To Your Heart". Her poems were composed with heartfelt memories of family members, close friends, her love of God, and cherished events throughout her life. These poems were shared weekly while visiting local nursing homes for church services. She is survived by her children: Richard E. (Diana) Sparks of Oregon, William E. (Coleen) Sparks III of Alaska, Wayne D. Sparks of Oregon, Cheryl Ann (Glen) Bristow of Bayfield, Canada, Nancy Lee Sommer of Oregon, Dorothy Louise (Bruce) Jenkins of Washington along with 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her final resting place will be Lynn, MA where a celebration of her life will be announced. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AdventHealth Hospice Care 800 North Magnolia Ave. Suite 600, Orlando, Florida 32803

Dorothy L Sparks

August 30, 1928 - March 24, 2024