Rebecca Raye Poplin

Mrs. Rebecca Raye Sparks Poplin, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at her residence. Born on October 25, 1944, in Wilkes County, she was the beloved daughter of the late Clifton and Juanita Hooper Sparks.

Rebecca was a devoted and longtime member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as choir director for an inspiring fifty years. Her passion for music was only matched by her commitment to faith and community. She dedicated her professional life to East Wilkes High School as an administrative assistant and was a joyful leader with Junior Youth Challenge (Good News Club), nurturing young hearts with compassion and grace. A loyal friend and treasured neighbor, Rebecca was known for her hospitality—often found in the kitchen, preparing meals to comfort others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Sparks.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband of sixty years, Douglas Poplin; her children, Trent Poplin and wife Maria of Elkin, and Aletha Eller and husband Bradley of West Jefferson; her brother, Michael Sparks and wife Martha of Roaring River; and her grandchildren, Tucker Eller and Max Poplin.

She is also remembered by, her sister-in-law Doris Phillips and husband Grady of Lewisville. Her nieces, Stephanie Holbrook and husband Andy of Roaring River, Amber Anthony and husband Zack of Roaring River, and Stacey Phillips and husband Roy Sanders of Spartanburg; great-nieces, Brandy Anthony, Anna Anthony, Morgan Holbrook, and Marley Holbrook.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Macedonia Baptist Church, with Rev. Mike Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Macedonia Baptist Church Youth Fund, 1120 Austin Little Mountain Road, Ronda, NC 28670.