Dena Marie Sparks

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dena Marie (Carter) Sparks, 47, of Roanoke. Dena passed away at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, due to unexpected heart complications. She was born November 11, 1963, in Amherst, Ohio, to mother, Edith Carter and father, John O. Carter Sr. Dena will be greatly and sorely missed.
She was predeceased by her mother, Edith M. Carter, in April 2004. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dustin Carter, age 28, of Roanoke, and Brittany Sparks, age 25, of Fincastle; father, John O. Carter Sr., of Roanoke; brothers, John Carter Jr., of Roanoke, Daniel Carter, of Louisville, Ky., and Mark Carter, of Vinton; niece, Rhiannon Carter, of Blue Ridge; and loving boyfriend, Mark Groseclose, of Roanoke. Dena is also survived by a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends across the country.
Dena was a gregarious, outgoing person who loved music, painting and writing. She wore her heart on her sleeve and never had any trouble expressing herself or her feelings. She could talk to ANYONE and find common ground with any crowd. She loved to play poker and could hang with the best of any pool sharks. She had a raw, soulful voice and singing was her true passion. She sang with local blues and rock bands during the 1990s and her vocal stylings were often compared to Janis Joplin, who happened to be one of her favorites. Dena was a genuine, honest woman and undeniably kind hearted. To describe such a unique soul with words is impossible. Dena's love for her children and the kindness of her soul is immeasurable. No condolences will ever ease the sorrow that is felt for the loss of our beautiful Yam Yam.
Mom,
We love you and miss you more than we can even begin to describe. You were our sunshine, and Dustin and I know we were yours. The three of us have been through a lot as a family and we always made it through. Well, now it's just Dustin and me, and we were raised to be strong, so we will figure out how to get through this without you. You are the reason and the inspiration for so many good things in both of our lives. A piece of me died that night in the hospital right along with you. To my mother, my friend, my biggest fan, and my rock . . . I sing for you always and I will mourn your loss for the rest of my life. As your sweet, rock and roll lover man, Robert Plant, once sang, "If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you. If mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me."
All of my love, Your Britty
The family will be receiving friends and family at Oakey's Funeral Home in Vinton on Saturday, July 23, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 4 p.m. in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the RVSPCA. Dena loved animals and would have preferred it. Please send donations to the RVSPCA at 1340 Baldwin Avenue, NE, Roanoke, VA 24012. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel.