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Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Sharon L. Sparks, 86,
of Lincoln, IL—a gentle and giving soul whose
kindness touched everyone she met—passed away at
6:11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at her
home, with her son Cody holding her hand. She left
this world the same way she lived in it—quietly,
lovingly, and surrounded by the devotion she had
spent her whole life giving to others.
Sharon was born December 19, 1938, at Deaconess
Hospital in Lincoln, IL, the daughter of Frank R.
and Veda M. (Auxier) Bree. She was raised in Mt.
Pulaski and later moved to Lincoln after losing
their farm. She married the love of her life, Donald
Robert Sparks, on June 30, 1956. He preceded her in
death on June 26, 2004.
She was the kind of woman who gave without
hesitation. Stranger or friend, if you asked, she
would offer whatever she had, giving her whole heart
without asking for anything in return. Her heart was
her greatest gift, and she shared it freely.
She filled her days with the things that brought her
comfort and joy: tending to her garden, cooking and
cleaning with care, sewing with patient hands, and
doting on her six furry friends—a mischievous
malamute named HarleyCharlieQuinnPepperLunaTuna
(A.K.A. Harley), and her five feline companions—Chihiro,
Chloe, Sampson, Salem, and her dearly missed Smokey
Coconut—spoiling them like children.
She also loved talking on the phone with her sister
and close friends, sometimes for hours, sharing
stories, laughter, and the simple companionship that
brightened her days.
She loved her shows—Ghost Hunters, Grimm, Lucifer,
The Price Is Right, Stargate SG-1, Murder She Wrote,
and her westerns, especially anything to do with The
Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. Classic television
was her favorite place to unwind, and she carried
that warmth and nostalgia with her. She also enjoyed
anime like Inuyasha, Death Note, Attack on Titan,
Chainsaw Man, and Studio Ghibli films such as
Spirited Away. And despite being absolutely
terrified of them, she adored horror movies and
watched them anyway, often jumping more at her son's
startled screams than the movie itself.
Sharon also loved
music. She enjoyed the classics, humming along to
old country, gospel, and the soft melodies of the
songs she grew up with. She was a lifelong fan of
Willie Nelson—"Always on My Mind" was the sweetheart
song she shared with her husband Donald, played at
their wedding, their 48th anniversary, and at his
funeral. |
One night while
watching a horror movie, she discovered "Il Cielo in
Una Stanza" by Gino Paoli, and it became another
song that brought her deep comfort. Frank Sinatra
was another favorite, along with many other great
musical artists. In her later years, she found joy
in AI music as well, with her favorite AI band being
The Devil Inside on YouTube. Music wasn't always
playing, but when it did, it brought the house to
life.
Her home was always open, always welcoming, and
always filled with the steady kindness that defined
her. Christmas was her most cherished time of year.
She decorated year-round, finding joy in the lights,
the music, and the warm, fuzzy feeling the season
brought. She loved the celebration of Jesus's
birthday and held deep, fond memories of every
Christmas she shared with those she loved. She never
asked for recognition, never wanted praise—she
simply cherished the chance to love and be loved.
She is survived by her son, Cody R. Sparks, whom she
raised and loved as her own from early childhood,
and by her grandson, Wesley R. Sparks, and his two
children Ava Sparks and Easton Sparks, along with
many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and
numerous extended family and loved ones who will
forever carry her memory.
She is also survived by Alicia A. Sparks, her
beloved daughter-in-law, who remained a constant and
devoted presence in her life, faithfully helping
care for her and standing by her side throughout her
final years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her
siblings, Beverly K. Keough and Darrell R. Bree; her
husband Donald R. Sparks; her son Danny A. Sparks;
and her daughter Kim M. Sparks.
She gave her whole heart to this world, and those
who knew her will carry a piece of it forever.
Cremation rites have been entrusted to
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the family of Sharon L.
Sparks |
