Rhonda Jan Sparks

Rhonda Jan Sparks was born in Harlingen, Texas, to Jessie Lee and Wanda Jean Minchew. Her family moved often before settling in Tulia, where her father managed the local cotton gin. After graduating from high school, Jan began studying art at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. There, she met the love of her life, Sparky. At just 20 years old, the two quickly eloped and, in an oft-told family story, decided by coin toss who would have to call home first. When they did, both sets of parents famously responded with the same question: "To whom?" Thus began the story of their 53 years together.

The newlyweds soon moved to Dallas, where Jan worked for Southland Corporation while Sparky attended college at night. After his graduation, she returned to school herself, earning a Summa Cum Laude degree from UT Dallas-one of the early graduates of a unique Interdisciplinary Studies program merging business and the arts. Even while still in school, she began working at Bill Fegan Attractions to show how her studies translated into the real world.

Jan flourished there, rising to Vice President while raising three children-first a daughter, then, six years later, boy/girl twins. She toured a wide range of performers and arts organizations, from opera companies to symphonies to the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats. After moving to Wills Point, her friendship with the Acrobats led them to ask her to become their tour manager. She did this while also keeping the books for her husband's business-a reflection of her lifelong ability to balance enormous responsibility with grace, humor, and unwavering competence.

Thirty years ago, Jan faced a daunting diagnosis: a brain tumor at a time when the surgery offered uncertain odds. True to form, she overcame it. Her resilience astonished her doctors and centered her family, allowing her to continue pouring her heart into her children and, later, her grandchildren.

Jan was a lover of God, her family, and art. She had an extraordinary eye-collecting handmade jewelry, artisan clothing, and works of beauty long before the world recognized their value. Her artistic sensibilities profoundly shaped her family; she taught all of them not just to look, but to truly see. Her taste was exquisite, her style unmistakable, and her devotion to art and artists was lifelong.

In 2019, Jan was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Immunotherapy helped extend her life, but her greatest healing came from her grandchildren. Her only granddaughter had arrived two years before her diagnosis, and then-within just nine weeks of learning she had cancer-her three grandsons were born, 60 days apart. Their arrival felt written in the stars, a gift appearing at the exact moment she needed it most. They gave her renewed purpose and an unwavering will to stay. With the family's mantra, PMA-Positive Mental Attitude, and the love of her grandchildren, she far exceeded every medical expectation, facing each challenge with grace and a spirit that illness could not touch.

Jan overcame many physical obstacles throughout her life, but nothing ever dimmed her soul. She was the most devoted wife, a loving and steadfast mother, sister, and friend, and the most magical grandmother this world will ever know. She believed deeply in women's rights, supported the Democratic Party, and championed the arts at every turn. She loved with her whole heart, and those who knew her felt the fullness of that love. She leaves behind a legacy of art, sensitivity, gratitude, passion, and joy. Her presence will linger; always woven into the lives she shaped and the beauty she introduced to the world.

Jan passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, shortly after celebrating her 53rd anniversary with Sparky. She is survived by daughter Jessica Elliott and grandchildren Avery Kate and Collin; daughter Sally Sparks and husband Dr. Scott Venters, and grandson Beckett; and son Swift "Trey" Sparks and wife Sarah, and grandson Swift "Ivy" Sparks IV. She also leaves her sister Leann Crawford; brother Kirk and beloved sister-in-law Mary Beth Minchew; sister Mary Kim Toliver and husband Micah; and a joyful abundance of nieces and nephews - a slew she adored.

Jan lived with fearlessness, devotion, and tenacity. She was, in every sense, a wonder. Services will be held on December 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mullin-Fuller Funeral Home located at 205 Corky Boyd Ave. in Wills Point.

*Obituary provided by the family