Mildred Jean Dillingham Sparks, 92, of Edmonton, KY passed away peacefully at her residence with her family by her side. She was born on June 25, 1930, in the Egypt Community of Adair County, which at that time was known as the Absher Community to the late Robert O. and Flora Morris Dillingham. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years William Penick “Billy” Sparks.
Mrs. Sparks was a member of the Edmonton United Methodist Church and over the years served on many committees within the church. She was a graduate of Columbia High School and then attended Lindsey Wilson College and continued her education at Western Kentucky University in Elementary Education and achieved a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Administration.
Mrs. Sparks began her teaching career in Edmonton as a fourth-grade teacher at Edmonton Elementary, where she became a favorite teacher of many students. She then moved to the new Elementary School as a counselor and later became a counselor at Metcalfe County High School before retiring and leaving a legacy.
At the age of ninety-two she was able to live in her own home until her death, having numerous caregivers that will forever be in the family’s hearts.
Survivors include two children Patricia L. “Patti” Antle (Dan) of Columbia and Lexington, KY and William Richard “Rick” Sparks of Edmonton, KY; grandchildren Daniel L. Antle, Jordan C. Antle (Brandi) and William B. “Ben” Antle (Claudia); great granddaughters Calli and Atia Antle; a special great grandson Leonardo “Leo” Antle and other great grandchildren Santiago and Samantha Guerrero and Cami and Madi Traylor; a brother Robert L. Dillingham (Evelyn); a niece and nephew Randee Norris and Robby Dillingham; a grand-dog “Kennedy”; a special friend Cricket Gilpin and several other friends and relatives.
Funeral services will be 2:00pm Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Edmonton United Methodist Church with entombment in the Metcalfe County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Edmonton United Methodist Church at 302 S. Main St. Edmonton, KY 42129.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
