Dorothy Deen Sparks, age 93, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, April 18th at her home. Dottie, as she was lovingly known by family and friends, was a career homemaker, Dottie was a loving and devoted wife to Bill, her husband of fifty-two years. She was also a dedicated mother to her four children, and she supported them in their various activities throughout her life.
Dottie began her education at Texas State College for Women, followed by a year at the University of Kentucky. She put her education on hold to marry and raise a family. When the time was right, she returned to college and graduated from Murray State University with a degree in sociology. She loved learning, especially history, and she was an avid reader and sports follower. Dottie took great joy in keeping up with her friends, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, both through written correspondence and social media. She never missed a birthday party or milestone and was the first to send a word of encouragement when new information was shared or posted.
As a lifelong member of Central Presbyterian Church, she served in many capacities, including youth leader, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and elder. She was active in community and civic organizations and was instrumental in recognizing the need for some type of structured support for children with special needs. This ultimately led to the formation of Hilltop Center, a school for children with developmental disabilities.
Dottie was a warm and welcoming hostess. She was generous in heart and spirit. Above all, Dottie met life’s challenges with determination and a smile on her face.
Dottie is survived by two daughters, Sarah Sparks (Dan) Walker of Cadiz and Patricia Sparks Guier of Morganton, NC; one son, Richard Christian Sparks of Cincinnati, OH; five grandchildren, Matthew Walker of Paducah; Andrew Guier of Boone, NC; Holly (Dave) Clark of Murfreesboro, TN; Elizabeth (Scott) Baden of Fletcher, NC; and Thomas (Ryan) Guier of Charlotte, NC; and ten great-grandchildren; Caroline Larkins of Louisville; Audrey Walker of Paducah; Jacob, Lydia, and Madeleine Baden of Fletcher, NC; Wade, Violet, and Joel Guier of Charlotte, NC; and Walker and Margo Clark of Murfreesboro, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Carl Sparks, Jr. and one son, William Carl Sparks III. Her parents were Guss and Sarah Dawson Deen.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024, 2:30 pm, at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton, with burial to follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:00pm until the service time.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Central Presbyterian Church in Princeton.
You may light a candle or leave a message with the family at www.morgansfuneralhome.com.
