Melinda Sparks

Melinda Sparks September 5, 1941 - August 23, 2024

KNOXVILLE - Melinda Jane Jennings Sparks, age 82, went to her heavenly home on August 23, 2024.

Melinda was born to Oscar Mann Jennings, Jr. and Alta Jane (Weaver) Jennings on September 5, 1941 residing most of her life in Erwin, Tennessee. Melinda married Ronald Sparks in January, 1962 and they raised two sons Kevin and Gary. After Ron's retirement they moved to Knoxville, TN to be near their grandchildren.

Melinda was employed, for several years, at Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin. After that, she became a stay-at-home Mom, a title she was most proud to have and at which she was amazing. Melinda was a Christian and long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Erwin. After moving to Knoxville, she became a member of First Baptist Concord.

She was a loving, compassionate, giving Wife, Mother and Gram. Melinda's greatest joy was anything with her family, whether it be at her home, her favorite place - the beach or a NASCAR race. She was especially keen on spending as much time as possible with her two grandchildren. She and Ron were also involved for several years with the Mission of Hope ministry.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Ron), one son (Gary), one sister (Carleen), mother-in-law (Julia Sparks) and father-in-law (Ralph Sparks, Sr.).

Melinda is survived by her son Kevin (Lori) of Knoxville, TN, granddaughter Chelsea Chrisp (Neil) of Nolensville, TN, grandson Andrew Sparks of Murfreesboro, TN, brother Robert Jennings (Cheryl), sister-in-law Carrie Lee (Stanley) Edwards, sister-in-law Wanda Sparks (Ralph Sparks, Jr., deceased), sister-in-law Donna Sparks (Everette Sparks, deceased), her great-grandchildren Emory Chrisp and Nolan Chrisp, many nieces and nephews, and countless life-long friends.

A graveside service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Melinda to the Mission of Hope, PO Box 51824, Knoxville, TN 37950 or Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Melinda loved knowing that through the activities of these charities, children would not only receive gifts and needed items, but most importantly the message of the hope of Jesus Christ.

Melinda will be dearly missed by all those who loved her.