Pastor Grace B. Sparks

Pastor Grace B. Sparks was born December 21, 1931 in Newton, Georgia, the daughter of Primus and Missie Bolden. God called her name to be home with Him on Saturday, April 11, 2020 after sharing her with us for 88 years.

Pastor Sparks was a graduate of East Baker High School in Newton, Georgia. She attended Chicago School of Nursing and University of Michigan, studying Leadership Development. She later attended Michigan State University and studied psychology for workers, in addition to completing training to be a community service counselor from Saginaw United Labor of United Way of Saginaw County. She worked as a Nurses’ Aide at Saginaw County Hospital and later was employed as a V.R. Assistant at the Vocational Rehabilitation service from where she retired. Pastor Sparks was a member of the NAACP, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Treasurer of the Women’s Aglow.

Pastor Sparks accepted Jesus Christ in her life at a young age. She was a former member of Ninth Street Mennonite Church and former pastor of Burk Memorial Church of the Nazarene. She later became pastor of Hands of Love Ministry. Without question, she loved her church family. Pastor Sparks loved to read her bible and carried her bible and blessed oil with her everywhere she went. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and her “darling” husband of 58 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, cooking and fishing.

Pastor Sparks would help anyone in need. She is famous for answering the telephone with “Praise the Lord, Hello.” Her beautiful smile, warm spirit and encouraging words will truly be missed.

Pastor Sparks was preceded in death by her husband, Willard A. Sparks, Sr.; parents, Primus and Missie Bolden; brothers, Primus Ezekiel and William Bolden; sisters, Janie Wright, Annie Ruth Spubbs; sisters-in-law, Lilly B. Stone, Shirley Beatte, Geneva Buckley, Ollie May Olive, Maxine Camp and Delores Hollie.

She leaves a lifetime of memories with four sons, Apostle Willard Jr. (Nina), Charles Sr. (Sophronia), both of Saginaw, Michigan, Larry and Eric Sparks, both of Albany, Georgia; sisters, Mamie Wright, Hazel (Abolphus) Wright, Warwick, Georgia, Geneva (Joe) Bolton, Saginaw, Michigan, Janette (E.J.) Chintella, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Madge Gibson, Edna Bell, both of Fort Pierce, Florida; special nephew, Gary Hunt, Sr., Saginaw, Michigan; sister-in-law, Alice Bolden, Newton, Georgia; goddaughters, Renee Clay, Buffalo, New York, Yonetta Kendall, Saginaw, Michigan; godson, Michael Moon, Flushing, Michigan

The family of Pastor Grace B. Sparks acknowledges with sincere appreciation the many comforting messages, calls, prayers and other expressions of kindness. This has given us strength and inspiration during our time of bereavement. Thank you to our family, friends, church members and community. We would also like to thank Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.

If anyone would like to extend a gift of love to the family, such as a sympathy card, message, meal, gift card for bereavement or any other expression of love, please contact us at moresmooth2@gmail.com on where to send. This is due to State of Michigan restrictions regarding COVID-19. Obituaries will be mailed out to you, so please write your address in the registry book during the drive-thru viewing. Thank you so much, the Sparks Family.