Mary Lela Sparks Sherburne

1926 - 2018

Mary Lela Sparks Sherburne left the earth we know on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Southminster, her home in Charlotte. She was born June 21, 1926, in Spruce Pine, NC, the only daughter of Galen and Abigail Blalock Sparks. Mary Lela, from age one, loved the natural world. She studied birds, collected butterflies, maintained an owl aviary, marked box turtles, and identified minerals. Her early interests led to careers and achievements in science, the non-profit and business worlds. A graduate of the University of NC at Chapel Hill (BA in English) and American University in Washington, DC (Master's in Business Administration) she also pursued graduate studies in the physical sciences in Boston.

Mary Lela was associated with many innovations and new projects. At first, as an undergraduate intern with the William T. Hornaday Foundation, spearheaded an effort to begin a Children's Museum in Durham, NC. After graduation from UNC she moved to Boston, and became a teacher of science and conservation with the Massachusetts Audubon Society. She joined the staff of WGBH-TV and served as the producer and on-air talent for "Discovery" - a 1952 Sylvania Award winner for excellence in science programming. In 1958 she joined Educational Development Center in Boston, an organization seeking to cultivate new curricula and methods of teaching science. EDC provided science kits and teaching methodologies for innovative classroom instruction to foster interest in hands on science. Five urban training centers were set up by Mary Lela including the Innovation Team for Model Schools in the District of Columbia. These initiatives were immersed in the 1968 riots as the social upheaval greatly affecting inner city schools. When funding support for EDC ceased, Mary Lela was successful in raising new funds to support schools and non-profits.

A dedicated advocate for better education, schools and community involvement, Mary Lela was involved in many projects to make Washington, DC a better place to live that started with her work on the DC Innovation Team in the 1960's. In 1974, she ran in the first election following the DC Home Rule Charter to seek the Ward 3 DC City Council seat. Her close loss in the Democratic primary did not deter her future work on behalf of the city and its residents.

Mary Lela also attended American University, earning an MBA and creating a new career interests as she began advising pension funds and non-profits in acquisition and management of large income projects primarily in Washington DC. She worked with many organizations including the National Association of Health Care Organizations, the National Association of Counties, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Corporation, and many others. She also raised funds and supervised construction of building projects for non-profit organizations including Iona Senior Services. She served the District of Columbia as a board member of the City's Redevelopment Land Agency Board in which she was instrumental in decisions to ensure the interests of the taxpayer were protected in assigning development rights for the Verizon Center (Capital One Area) in 1994. She was recognized by the Washington Business Journal for this and other achievements.

Mary Lela married Edward G. Sherburne Jr., whom she met at WGBH-TV in 1958. She is survived by one son, Edward G. Sherburne (Ned) and his wife Marita of Potomac, Md. Two brothers, Rom B. Sparks and Galen Sparks Jr. predeceased her. She is also survived by a loving family of nephews and nieces: Martha Arcilesi, Anita Uber, and Geraldine Emmert all of Charlotte NC, Michael Sparks and wife Kay, Fairview, NC; and ten grandnieces and nephews. A grandniece, Beth Arcilesi, was a special friend, a playmate, a joyous companion. Mary Lela is also survived by three self-adopted daughters mentored and cherished by her and Ted: Dr. Docia Hickey, Charlotte, NC; Charlotte Matthews Connetti, Charlottesville, VA and Christina Fernandez Montes of Rock Hill, SC.

Services will be held at Southminster, Great Room, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018 with a family visitation following.

In lieu of floral gifts, Mary, a former Mayor of Southminster, would have appreciated remembrances being sent to the Southminster Foundation, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Condolences may be offered at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.