of Little Rock, AR
November 5, 1925 - May 20, 2016
Dana LaVoyne Burrows Sparks passed away in Little Rock from complications of pneumonia. Born on November 5, 1925 in Tipton, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Jennie Briscoe Burrows and James Orville Burrows.
In 1945, she married Norris Jerald Sparks (Sparky) of Cisco, Texas, who was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II and later became an architect. They moved to Little Rock to raise their family.
Dana graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1943. She was a Cub Scout leader and taught Sunday school for many years to children with special needs. Dana was a former member of the Twentieth Century Club and past president of the Bas Bleu Club. She gave her time to help others.
Dana was a legal secretary for the Senate in the Arkansas Legislature. In later years, she worked for the Arkansas Historical Preservation Department of the State of Arkansas. She had a variety of interests including rescuing stray dogs and cats. She fed them until they were tame enough to find good homes.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, and her son, Norris Jerald Sparks, Jr. (Jerry), her sister, Nelda Keith Pyles, and her brother-in-law, Charles Boykin Pyles. Dana is survived by her daughters Cheryl Sparks, and Holly Sparks Parker, and husband David Leger Parker; her grandchildren Jessica Parker Casey and husband, Blake Casey; Rachel Parker Harding and her husband, Rush IV (Buddy) Harding; and David Dallas Parker of Little Rock. She is also survived by one great grandson Rush Harding V.
In addition, she is survived by her niece Karen Box (Paul) of Decatur, Alabama and her children Brig, Ben, Drew, Sam, and Sally. Dana is survived by her nephew David Pyles of Avondale Estates, Georgia and his child Charlie.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock with Reverend Scott Walters officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, 72201, or FURR, P.O. Box 250567, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dana's family thanks the doctors and nurses at Baptist Health Medical Center and Hospice Home Care for their loving care and support.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
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3 Condolence(s)
Brian Driscoll
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Dana was our front desk receptionist here at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for many years. A very sweet lady, she was an absolute jewel to have in our office family. She could often be heard to say "Now, you be careful out there today" as we left the office on site visits. She always had a pleasant demeanor and I always enjoyed our conversations. We missed her when she left and are truly sorry to learn of her passing. Our sincere condolences to all of her family and friends.
Holly Hope
Monday, May 23, 2016
I will miss my dearest Dana so much. Her sense of humor and love of her children and her many cats and dogs are testament to the breadth of her sweet heart.
I am so lucky to have known her and to have remained friends with her after she left her job. It enriched my life immensely.
I love you Dana.
Holly Parker
Sunday, May 22, 2016
My Mom, Dana Sparks was the most unselfish mother any child could ever dream of having. We appreciate her believing that her children deserved only the best and to pursue their dreams.. She raised us in a loving Christian environment. The Lord is smiling now that she is home.