Wanda Spargo

Wanda Lee Spargo, 92, of Walnut Ridge, entered into her heavenly home on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Lawrence Hall Health and Rehabilitation in Walnut Ridge.

She was born on Sept. 29, 1932, in Hoxie, to the late David Lee and Mary Pearl (Hall) Niswonger. She was united in marriage to J.R. Spargo Jr., on Oct. 15, 1949, in Hoxie.

Wanda was a dedicated member of Arbor Grove Free Will Baptist Church, near Hoxie, for 65 years. A devoted homemaker and the dedicated wife of a farmer, she lovingly supported her family and farm life. She was active in the EHC Club, served as a 4-H leader for many years, and found joy in canning, sewing and gardening, especially tending to her flowers. Wanda was also a talented seamstress, known for her skill and creativity.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Donna Sue Cooksey; son-in-law, Steve Cooksey; sisters, Lucille, Christine, Velma, Juanita and Glenda; and her nephew, who was raised as her brother, Ronnie.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Parker (Rickey) of Walnut Ridge, Mary Jane Thorne (David) of Jonesboro, and Joey Spargo (Katherin) of Paragould; grandchildren, Chip Cooksey (Hollie), Jordan Cooksey (Sara), Jill (Alex) Brown, Jeremy Parker (Tiffany), Joe Spargo and Taylor Thorne; great-grandchildren, Danica, Logan, Miranda, Wyatt, Emmett, B.J., Ryland, and Emrie; special friend, Marilyn Goodwin; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members, friends and neighbors.

Visitation was Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., in the Cox Funeral Home Chapel in Walnut Ridge. The funeral services followed at 12 p.m. with Bro. Kevin Roberts and Bro. Tim Campbell officiating. Interment was in Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Chip Cooksey, Jordan Cooksey, B.J. Leonard, Jeremy Parker, David Thorne and Joe Spargo.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Arbor Grove Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 241, Hoxie, AR 72433, or to the Black River Area Development (BRAD) Senior Wellness Center, c/o Martha Baker, 504 Southern Avenue, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476.