Daphine Mayton Sparrow

Daphine Mayton Sparrow entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on the evening of March 22, 2025 surrounded by family in the same house she grew up in. Her wish was to remain at home as her health declined and pass from this life to the next from familiar surroundings. God granted her wish.
At 91 and only 3 months short of her 70th wedding anniversary, she leaves behind her loving husband William H. (Bill) Sparrow, sons Bill Jr. (Margie) of Durham, Arthur (Lisa) of Moyock, NC, sister Mina Hampton and niece Charlotte Hampton (Dave McKeller) of Durham, and grandchildren Rachel, Nathan, Samuel, and Summer Sparrow. She also leaves behind many dear friends, hundreds of former students and associates from Braggtown, Holt, and Glenn Schools in Durham County and treasured church friends from her lifetime attendance at Gorman Baptist Church where her earthly remains will lie beside her mother and father Mina Emory Mayton and William Arthur Mayton in the same soil that nourished and sustained previous family generations. She has now met her older baby brother, Arthur Emory Mayton. That must be a glorious reunion.
Growing up on the farm, Daphine helped in all phases of raising tobacco, tending a large vegetable garden, collecting eggs, and helping care for dogs, horses, mules, chickens, pigs, cows, and even a goat. Hog killing times were special as extended family and neighbors joined in the work and shared the rewards. The same was true with pond seining when washtubs full of fish were caught, cleaned, cooked, and the surplus frozen for later enjoyment. Her Emory family members would come together for rabbit barbeques in the winter, bragging on who could prepare the hottest recipe.
Daphine attended Durham County Schools, graduating from Braggtown High School and later Meredith College with a degree in early childhood education. Her career was spent teaching in the Durham system. She taught many classes over the years at Gorman Baptist including Sun Beams, Girls in Action, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School. She sang in the church choir, and served on many church committees.
Daphine met the love of her life on a blind date in college. Meredith required students to double date. Bill, a student at State, was asked to fill in the second date position, hence the meeting of Bill and Daphine and their union of 7 decades.
Daphine loved flowers, people, travel, and of course, her family. Fresh cut roses and flowers were usually found in her kitchen and den. Her mother always said if a car door was open, Daphine would climb in. This early love of going, lead to a lifetime of travel where she and Bill visited all 50 states and several countries. Summer vacations were planned for summer break before the tobacco harvest began. The family traveled, always to different states, historic sites, and national landmarks, always getting in history and geography lessons along the way. Many miles were added to the station wagon's odometer hauling the family, suitcases, coolers loaded with roadside picnic supplies and "Chec" drinks from Winn-Dixie.
Daphine and Bill were active members of the Gorman Ruritan Club and the Durham County Farm Bureau and often attended state and national conventions where many lifelong friendships were made.
Having taught in the same area for 34 years, Daphine was continually running into former students whom she loved to remember and talk with. This could be at the grocery store, in restaurants, at funerals, at the DMV, and unfortunately one time in the ABC store when she needed rum for a cake and the cashier was a former student who wanted to talk; she didn't.
Likely Daphine's biggest regret would be that she cannot personally say goodbye to all those she knew and loved. Always wanting to "see what's going on", she is probably now looking through the gates of Heaven, eager to greet those who will follow her home.
The family would like to thank Ola, Emily, Vanita, and Tausi along with the team from Duke Home Hospice who have helped Daphine during her recent health challenges, providing capable and loving care.
Flowers are acceptable as are donations to Gorman Baptist Church.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.