Sr. Clarice Sparkman O.P.

1917 - 2016

Sister Clarice Sparkman, O.P.
1917-2016
Sr. Clarice Sparkman entered eternal life on January 10, 2016. The eldest of 3 children of the late Hazel Andrew and Joseph Sparkman, Sister was born on October 5, 1917, in San Augustine, FL. She is predeceased by her sister Dolores and is survived by her brother Joseph and by nieces and nephews. The Sparkman Family moved to Houston when she was in elementary school. Following her graduation from Reagan High School, she entered the Dominican Sisters of Houston on June 15, 1934. Majoring in mathematics, she received a B.A. from Mt. St. Mary in Los Angeles, an M.A. from the University of Texas, and a PhD from the University of Texas. Her teaching career covered a wide spectrum—from first grade to university, the latter extending over 39 years in Dominican College (Houston), U. of San Francisco, U. of Santa Clara, and San Jose City College. From 2005—2009 she served as Consultant at San Jose City College. Sister was very active in the California Mathematics Council and one of the founders of the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges and served as its second president sponsoring the second annual convention in San Francisco. Her desire to help students was evidenced in her development of innovative instruction techniques and by her own words, "I wanted to work with students, not sit in a corner somewhere and write."
In addition to her love of teaching, Sister found delight in travelling. A van served her well as she and her Dominican companions and friends visited national parks and historical sites, especially in California.
Sister retired to St. Dominic Villa in Houston in 2010; in 2014-15 she was a resident at Spring Branch Transitional Care where everyone recognized and loved her. At nearby St. Jerome parish she found a host of friends through Sr. Eleanor Dickmann, OSB. Her heartfelt gratitude to all in the parish was expressed many times.
Sister's body will be welcomed at St. Dominic Villa on Thursday, January 14, at 4:00 p.m. Evening Prayer is at 6:30 Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 6501 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77021.