Dr. Howard L. Sparks

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College of William and Mary Virginia Commonwealth University

Howard Sparks Obituary

Dr. Howard L. Sparks of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away February 2, 2005 at DePaul Hospital at the age of 76. He was the widower of Shirley Seymore Sparks, to whom he was married for over 20 years. Born in West Virginia on New Year's Eve in 1928 and raised in Tidewater, Virginia, Dr. Sparks enlisted in the U.S. Navy before entering the field of special education. After more than 20 years of distinguished service at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Sparks retired in 1989 as vice provost for continuing studies and public service. Dedicating his career to the education of adult and special students, Dr. Sparks believed fervently in the mission of public institutions to be inclusive rather than exclusive in whom they serve. He regarded access to an education as a way of empowering individuals and felt strongly that it is the responsibility of public universities to provide knowledge and skills necessary for survival to a broad population, particularly those unable to attend school full-time. Towards these ends, Dr. Sparks built from scratch a continuing studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) that became a national model, serving more than 100,000 persons annually. Perhaps it was his own experience from which his educational philosophy of service to non-traditional students emerged; a high school dropout at 15, he did not begin taking college classes until he was 24. But even though it took him seven years to earn his undergraduate degree - having to also work full-time to support a wife and child - from there on he made up for lost ground in short order. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, Dr. Sparks was awarded a Federal Fellowship and attended Teacher's College of Columbia University, where he earned both an M.A. and Ed.D. in only three years. Dr. Sparks' many awards included the Virginia Continuing Educator of the Year in 1982, the Virginia Association for Continuing Education in the Health Professions Advocate of the Year in 1986, the National University Continuing Education Association Region III Outstanding Educator in 1989, and the VCU Presidential Medallion in 1992. Active in his community and civic affairs, Dr. Sparks served as the chairman of the executive committee of the Virginia Health Coordinating Council (appointed by the governor), on the executive committee of the American Health Planning Association, and as president of Grace House. He was also a leader and member of numerous other professional and community-based organizations. Dr. Sparks is survived by his daughter, Amy Sparks-Morgan; his son, Thomas McKimmey Sparks; his brother, David Sparks; his sister, Sandra Bishop; and grandchildren, Nathaniel Morgan, Michael Morgan, and Ikumu Sparks. There will be a private, family-only memorial service sometime this spring or summer in West Virginia, near Dr. Sparks' birth place. Others wishing to pay their respects to Dr. Sparks are requested to make donations in his name to Horizons Hampton Roads or Orchard House School of Richmond. Dr. Sparks' daughter and son owe a special debt of gratitude to the entire senior assessment staff of Bon Secours, and in particular Dr. William Hovland and Mrs. Jill Mitchell. Dr. Hovland and Mrs. Mitchell were extremely helpful during the last several years of Dr. Sparks' life and a tremendous source of support during sad times.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Feb. 6, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Sparks

4 Entries

Rex Dillinger

October 30, 2005

I was unaware that Howard had passed away until today 10/30/05. I am very sorry for your loss. Howard and I became acquainted while researching the Sparks family. His grandfather,Edgar Sparks was my grandmother Bertha (Sparks)Dillinger's oldest brother. It was a pleasure working with him and learning about my grandmother's family. We recently found some old family photographs at my aunt's home that I wanted to send to Howard. I tried calling this morning to see if his address was still the same since it had been several years since we had spoken by phone. When I was unable to get a phone number I checked in the obituaries in the Richmond paper. If any one in your family would like to have them please email me. I would be happy to send them to you. Again please accept my deepest sympathies in your loss.

Sincerely,

Rex Dillinger

Pat "Strang" Bishop

February 10, 2005

I do not know where to begin, Howard made such an inpact on my life when he first came to RPI-VCU during my undergraduate years. I was assigned to him for "work study". He taught me to believe in myself. He was my "mentor and good friend" and we stayed in contact throught the years. I could tell so many wonderful stories that occurred throughout my undergraduate and graduate program in Education. He talked me into switching majors from Elementary Education to Special Education, which I have never regreted. He was there when I received a State Award for "Outanding Leadership in Special Education". He made the presetation which ment more than the award. He will be remembered by many for his many outstanding contributions in the field of Education, and I will remember that he was the person that told me I could do it!

Shirley McDaniel

February 7, 2005

I have many fond memories of Dr. Sparks during his tenure at VCU. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dr. J.C. Phillips

February 6, 2005

Howard was so much more than a colleague and fellow educator. Though it was our fields of interest that brought us together, our friendship transcended career concerns, and he became one of my most cherished friends. I have wonderful memories of the trip to Puerto Rico that I shared with Howard and his delightful wife, Shirley and his staff from VCU. Through innumerable lunches, dinners, and get-togethers, I came to know Howard as a sincere, intelligent, dry-witted, caring man whom I will sorely miss.

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