It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. M. Shirley Sparks, 85, at the Coastal Hospice in Salisbury on Dec. 24, 2015. Shirley was the wife of the late Cpl. Ross Sparks, sister-in-law of the late 1/Lt Marlin S. Clevenger, and sister of retired 1/Lt. Bob Middleton. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Sparks family and friends at this difficult time. The following obituary for Mary Shirley Middleton Sparks has been reprinted from the Framptom Funeral Home website.
Mary Shirley “Mom Mom” Sparks passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury surrounded by most of her family. She was 85.
She was born in Centreville on Christmas Day, 1929 the daughter of the late James Bart Middleton and Mariam L. Jones Middleton.
Growing up in Centreville, Shirley graduated from Centreville High School. On April 23, 1948, she married Finley Ross Sparks, Jr. He preceded her in death on February 22, 1989.
Shirley worked for United Shellfish for many years as the credit manager. She retired in 1987.
The life of the party, Shirley loved a good time. She always enjoyed her garden, flowers, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren and was a fan of her beloved Baltimore Orioles.
She is survived by two children, Bart Sparks and his wife Charla of Germantown, TN, Cindee Wong and her husband Glen of East New Market, MD. Her grandchildren included Bart’s children Stephen Sparks of Orlando, FL, Andrew Sparks and his wife Ashley of Huntsville, AL, Kelly and Darin Malone of Bartlett, TN, Bradley Sparks of Daytona Beach, FL, and Sean Sparks of Southaven, MS. Cindee’s children include Ami Landon of Washington DC, Nathan and Logan Wong both of East New Market, MD. Her Great Grandchildren include Andrew’s three daughters – Caroline, Brinley and Ella. Her brothers and sisters include Betty Clevenger, Myrtle Crouse, Toby Middleton (Gail), Blanche Dashiell (Maurice), Robert (Roberta) and Richard Middleton (Jan).
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother James Middleton and baby sister Sharon.
“Mom gave her love to everyone she met. She will be missed by the many loved ones she ‘collected’ throughout her life. Lucy, the “Energizer Bunny,” will always be remembered for her Love and stamina. She was a force to be reckoned with.”
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 1:00 at the Centreville United Methodist Church with the Pastor Jack Rickman officiating – one of Shirley’s many children she collected over her life. Interment will follow at Chesterfield Cemetery in Centreville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, December 29, from 6:00 – 8:00 at the Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg and from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the church on Wednesday, December 30.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Coastal Hospice, 351 Deer’s Head Hospital Road, Salisbury, MD 21801 or pass on a kindness to someone in need in her name.
Viewing hours are 6-9 pm Tuesday Dec 29 at the Frampton Funeral Home in Federalsburg. Md. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday Dec. 30 at the Centreville United Methodist Church in Centreville.Md. Interment will be at Chesterfield Cemetery in Centreville. Md.