Vester L. Sparks

Vester L. Sparks Battle Creek Vester Leola Sparks, 80, of Battle Creek and formerly of Chicago, died May 4, 2009 at Veteran Affairs Nursing Home in Battle Creek. She was born October 17, 1928, the daughter of Noble Harris and Cora Mae (Pennick) Sparks in Grand Tower, Illinois and spent her youth in Illinois. After high school graduation Vester enrolled in Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. After two years at SIU she enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a PFC in the Women's Army Corps (WACS). Much of her military training took place in San Antonio, Texas and eventually she was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After her honorable discharge from the Army she returned to SIU and received both a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in education which was always a dream of hers. Most the years Vester taught school were spent in the Chicago Public Schools from which she retired. After retiring Vester made her home in Chicago but eventually moved to Kalamazoo to be closer to her family. She is survived by her brother, Elder Alonzo (Joyce) Sparks of Lawrence; daughter, Robin Searcy of Jackson, Tennessee; grandson, Curtis Searcy of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and friends. A passionate hobby for Vester was her doll collection. Her love of airplanes encouraged her to learn to fly. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and three sisters. A graveside memorial service with honors will take place 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Pastor Elmer Hess officiating. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com