1940-2023

Bessie Patricia (Pat) Sparks, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home with devoted family at her bedside on May 29, 2023.

Pat was born Nov. 18, 1940 in Terrell and as she closed her eyes on earth and opened them in Heaven, she was gladly welcomed by her Savior, and her mother, Pauline Mc-Daniel Murphy; father, Kenneth McDaniel; stepfather, Tommy Murphy; brother-in-law, Bill Marshall; sister-in-law, Mary Raines Ledbetter and grandson, Coby Wayne Bostick.

Pat was a longtime resident of Terrell having been born at her home on Park St. She began working at an early age stocking beverages at a restaurant in Houston and then working as a nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital. She returned home to Terrell where she worked at Alexander Hospital and Colonial Hospital where she worked in the hospital nursery with the newborns. At one time, she had 13 infants in her care and she gladly cared for each baby as if they were her very own. Pat loved people and the stories that they shared with her. Her personality and gift for hospitality led her to also work as a food server at the Anderson Hotel in downtown Terrell and also at the Char-Bar and Terry’s, two other well known local eateries in Terrell.

Pat married the love of her life, Raymond, on July 31, 1970 in Dallas and they were truly inseparable. After their wedding, Pat received her beautician’s license and worked as a hair dresser at Mrs. Davis’ Salon and, later, Lavender Beauty Salon. Raymond, and many others, said this was the perfect fit for Pat in that she loved helping others feel beautiful and she loved visiting! Pat was a devoted wife and dedicated mother. Being the wife of a Garland Fireman was something she took seriously and her tireless support of Raymond in taking care of their family and their home was one of the hallmarks of Pat’s character.

She was a faithful and active member of First Christian Church in Terrell for over 50 years where the ministries she helped with were as dear to her as the friendships she made there in her life. Pat also loved time spent outdoors with family and friends while they all hunted and fished and made wonderful and long-lasting memories. Everyone had a welcome invitation to her home and the first thing that would be noticed upon their arrival was Pat’s welcoming smile and then, her gorgeous flowers all around the house that she planted and cared for. A woman whose beauty was equally matched by her beautiful heart; Pat will be always missed but never forgotten.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband of 52 years, Raymond Sparks, of Terrell; two sons, Pat Wayne Bostick of Terrell and Thomas Fredrick Sparks and wife, Jenifer, of Richland Chambers Lake, TX; sister, Evelyn O’Lexy and husband, Ernest, of Bremond, TX; granddaughters: Heather McCutchen and husband, Joseph, Tiffany Pol and husband Justin, Brittany Donhauser and husband, Darren, Kelsey Bostick, and grandson Michael Bostick; great grandchildren: Hannah Dickey, Blake Dickey, Hynlee Dickey, J.J. McCutchen, Caden McCutchen, Aleena Pol, Celenia Pol, Zion Pol, Lorenzo Pol, Lyla Donhauser, and Tate Donhauser, Leah Bostick, Lily Bostick and Isaiah Bostick, and ; sisters-in-law: Patsy Marshall and Janette Simons and husband, Bobby; brother-in-law, David Ledbetter and wife, Jennifer; step-brother, Kenneth Onslee McDaniel of Pasadena; as well as her dear friend, June Breazeale of Jasper, GA along with other extended relatives, her church family and a host of friends.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Ables Springs Cemetery. Her family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. to service time. For those wishing, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 405 N. Adelaide, Terrell, TX, 75160