Magnolia Gertrude Payne Sparks

Mrs. Magnolia Gertrude Payne Sparks, 94, of Galax, VA, widow of Boyd James Sparks, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Waddell Nursing Center in Galax, VA. Mrs. Sparks was born January 21, 1915, in Ashe County, to the late George and Martha Church Payne. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Wade Easter of Mount Airy and Helen and Clifford Rippey of Galax, VA; a son, James S. Sparks of North Wilkesboro: eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mabel Church of Todd. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sparks was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers. The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 2:00 PM at Ladonia Baptist Church. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Tony Holder and the Rev. Wendell Horton, and burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where her body will remain until time to be taken to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the service.