On July 28, 2023, the family of Georgia O'Nell Thompson Sparks commended her sweet soul into the care of the Lord she faithfully knew and loved throughout her 91 years.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Tuesday, August 1, from 5-7 pm at Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home.  Georgia's effervescent spirit will be remembered at a Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church with her beloved Pastor Nathan Adams officiating.  Private burial will be at West Park Cemetery in Hereford under the direction of the funeral home.

As the eldest of seven children, Georgia knew love early through a close-knit family that instilled the mother's heart she would share with generations to come.  Georgia O'Nell was born to Mattie Lee and George Oscar Thompson on April 24, 1932, in Bell County.  Her grandparents, Big Daddy and Big Momma Chaney, and Aunt Esther were early influences in the remarkable life of service she would lead.

Mrs. Sparks will be remembered as cheerful, gracious and unfailingly kind.

Georgia and William Eugene "Bub" Sparks fell madly in love when he returned to Hereford after serving his country during World War II on the USS Barrow (APA-61) for the US Navy. With Bub solidly by her side following their marriage on January 04, 1948, Georgia began her life's journey as the dedicated wife, mother, friend, church and community supporter.

During 75 years of marriage, they raised four spirited sons to build a loving legacy of faith, commitment, patience and generosity.

Mrs. Sparks was a founding member and former president of La Madre Mia Study Club which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Throughout the 1970s, she was active in the Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce serving as President, organizing beauty pageants and was recognized as Woman of the Year in 1981.

As a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Georgia was active in the WMU (Women's Missionary Union). She impacted countless young lives during 19 years' service as a teacher at the FBC Kindergarten. Mrs. Sparks was named KPAN Radio's "Mother of the Year" in 2011.

She was a long-time board member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame when it was established here and throughout the transition to Fort Worth.

Fascinated by history, Georgia was a lifelong learner and voracious reader, serving on the board of the local Friends of the Library. Museums and historical sites were among her favorite places to visit. The only card remaining in her purse was her library card.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sons Gene and Terry, her parents, grandparents, one brother Don, Bub's mother Hazel and sisters Alyce and Virgie.

Those left to cherish her wonderful life and to carry on her legacy will be husband William Eugene (Bub) Sparks, son John Richard (Cheri) of Big Spring, son Jerry (Cindy) of Colorado Springs, Gene's wife (Ann) of Frisco, and Terry's forever love (Connie) of Hereford plus grandson Trey and wife Kourtney (Major and Kingsley); granddaughter Mikayla and husband Jeremy Kinsey (Korbin, Asher and Greer); grandson J. Rich and wife Sarah (Jenson and Lindley); grandson Andrew and wife Hannah (Grayson, Emery, Breckham, and Jettie); and granddaughter Kelly and Zach Rose (Will and Wesley).

She is also survived by sisters Jo, Mary, Jan, Carla and brother Mike, nephew Greg Marshall and wife Dreama, cousin Weldon Hacker plus a host of friends and grown-up kids who are like family.

The Sparks family is especially thankful for Georgia's incredibly loving and supportive care team of Yolanda Diaz, Ashlie Henderson, Mary Beth White and Eva Castro. They are deeply indebted to the local community of longtime friends, neighbors, church members and first responders.  It literally took the Hereford village to keep Georgia at home where she desperately wanted to be with Bub under his protective watch.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorials to First Baptist Church Kindergarten, 500 Main Street, or Hereford Cancer Coalition, 108 Aspen, both of Hereford, Texas, 79045.  An endowed scholarship for residents of Deaf Smith County on the Everett and Mabel McDougal Hinkson Memorial Campus of Amarillo College in Hereford, Texas has been established in Honor and Memory of The W.E. and Georgia Sparks Family.  Memorials can be forwarded to the Amarillo College Development Office.