Ruby Mae Sparks

Ruby Mae Sparks, 90, departed for her heavenly home, Friday, December 8, 2023, at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. 

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church, 361 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Reidsville, NC with Rev. Tim James officiating.  The burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Ruby was born in Rockingham County, NC to the late G.K. and Lillie Sparks. Even though her life’s work would take her away from the family farm she cherished the homeplace where she grew up and returned there often.  Ruby’s adventures began as a stewardess with Eastern Airlines followed by a 26 year career at IBM in Charlotte.  As time permitted, she spent weekends and vacations at Painting in the Mountains, an art school in Burnsville, NC.  Upon retiring from IBM she became co-director of the school.  Over the years,  a number of artists from across the country came to the studio to study and paint.  In 1989 she left to become a flight attendant with US Air and with the benefit of travel had the opportunity to paint scenes from the beaches of Hawaii to the New England coastline.  As a member of the Charlotte Arts Society and Charlotte Art League her paintings have been exhibited in many shows.  Family favorites are paintings of grandma’s house, the stable and woodland scenes.  

Ruby was a beautiful, gracious, and generous person.  When there was a need she gave her time and treasure to help.  As her vision dimmed with age, she stopped driving.  During this time, she met John and Jennifer Harper and their children Emma and Ethan.  They “adopted” Ruby and shared their lives with her – everything from errands to vacations.  They added so much joy and fun to Ruby’s life.  

Along with her parents, Ruby is preceded in death by a brother, Ira “Pete” Sparks; sisters, Adelle Daniels, Doris Byerly, and Lois Pittman; nieces, Susan Phillips and Debra Daniels; nephew, Steve Worsham.  

She is survived by nieces, Denise Perry (Mike), Pam Denny (Herb), Cheryl French (Rick); nephews, Roger Worsham, Tommy Sparks (Susan), Dr. Rick Gant (Jennifer) and a large extended family. 

Memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 or Mt. Carmel Methodist Church, Building Fund,  361 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Reidsville, NC 27320.