John C. Sparks

John married Elizabeth Wilson about 1858 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Elizabeth (daughter of Phillip H. Wilson and Nancy Norman) was born on 10 May 1840 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 23 Jul 1903 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Slagle Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nancy married Thomas C. Greene about 1873 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Thomas was born on 2 Jan 1852 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 8 Jan 1927 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in McKinney Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Florida Jane "Flora" Burleson about 1882 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Florida (daughter of John G. Burleson and Manerva Phillips) was born on 20 Mar 1866 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 29 Apr 1896 in Iredell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Sparks Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Hattie McKinley about 1887 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Hattie was born about 1867 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Buena married James McKinney on 17 Sep 1882 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. James was born about 1860 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jane married Calvin Hoilman about 1887 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Calvin (son of John Hoilman and Emmaline Greene) was born on 20 Jan 1866 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 24 Jan 1912 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Gouge Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harriet married Noah Buchanan on 27 Feb 1888 in North Carolina, , , . Noah (son of Robert Buchanan and Rusha Ann Canipe) was born on 5 Apr 1861 in , Yancey County, , North Carolina; died on 26 Oct 1947 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Slagle Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Minerva married Wilson M. Gouge about 1892 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Wilson was born on 24 Aug 1871 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 19 Mar 1949 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Russ Memorial Cemetery, , Mitchell County, Norh Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Minnie Greene on 31 Dec 1898 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Minnie (daughter of Huey B. Greene and Eliza Greene) was born on 16 Mar 1880 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 17 Mar 1965 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Bailey Memorial Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Reuben married Nora Slagle on 18 Feb 1894 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Nora was born about 1878 in North Carolina, , , ; died about 1900 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Reuben married Louisa G. Gouge about 1902 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Louisa was born on 5 Aug 1884 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 19 Mar 1960 in Washington County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married Alice Louise Canipe on 22 Dec 1895 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Alice (daughter of Ebern B. Canipe and Ann Eliabeth "Eliza" Insco) was born on 11 Sep 1882 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 3 Jun 1972 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, , Unicoi County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ida married Stokes Ulysses Grant Burleson about 1902 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Stokes (son of John G. Burleson and Manerva Phillips) was born on 10 Apr 1880 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 19 Feb 1920 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Russ Memorial Cemetery, , Mitchell County, Norh Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Marvel married Inez Phillips about 1910 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Inez was born on 3 Jan 1892 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hattie married John Henry Yelton about 1902 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. John was born on 6 Mar 1874 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 9 Aug 1965 in Rutherford County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Phillips Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Malby married Mary (Sparks) about 1895 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Mary was born in Sep 1887 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Dora Young on 10 Jun 1906 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Dora (daughter of Sanders Young and Elizabeth Jane Gouge) was born on 1 Jun 1890 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 19 May 1971 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Sparks Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married Maude Hughes about 1909 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Maude was born about 1889 in North Carolina, , , ; died about 1979 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Monte Vista Memorial Park, , Washington County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Chester married Gracy (Sparks) about 1909 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Gracy was born about 1900 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thurman married Lydia Elizabeth Yelton on 16 Apr 1911 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Lydia (daughter of James Burton Yelton and Deliah "Lila" Harrell) was born on 22 Oct 1894 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lizzie married William Milton Wiseman on 17 Jun 1922 in , Carter Carter, Tennessee, . William (son of John Blake Wiseman and Hattie Phillips) was born on 23 Jan 1900 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 13 Feb 1998 in Washington County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Lillie Inez Greer about 1915 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Lillie was born on 4 Feb 1893 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 16 Mar 1989 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Sparks Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jeff married Melinda C. Cook on 7 May 1904 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Melinda was born on 10 May 1886 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 17 Jul 1965 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Winters Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maude married William Henry Holtsclaw about 1913 in North Carolina, , , . William was born on 15 Aug 1843 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 28 Apr 1953 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Adkins Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dora married Henry Hoilman about 1914 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Henry (son of John Calhoun Hoilman and Louisa Bailey) was born on 4 Mar 1893 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 20 May 1959 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Gouge Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Vergie married Jesse Yelton about 1912 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Jesse (son of William Yelton and Pheba Garland) was born on 2 Nov 1883 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died in Jan 1978; was buried in McKinney Cove Baptist Church Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Stokes married Bertie Chandler about 1928 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Bertie was born on 20 Mar 1909; died on 4 Jul 1994 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Russ Memorial Cemetery, , Mitchell County, Norh Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Myrtle married Frank H. Parker about 1922 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Frank was born on 14 Jul 1901 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 16 Mar 1953 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Old Garland Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolinia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Esther Sparks Ledford, 91, 805 First Street, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, September 23,1998, at the residence of a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Norris Hamm, 7112 Glenfield Lane, Chattanooga, following an extended illness.
Mrs. Ledford was a native of Bakersville, N.C., and a daughter of the late John and Minnie Sparks. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ransom Ledford, in 1973; a son, Ransom Ledford., in 1946; five brothers; a sister; and a daughter-in-law, Bernice Ledford.
Mrs. Ledford had lived most of her life in Elizabethton before going to Chattanooga three years ago. She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Elizabethton.
Other survivors include another daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Quentin Richardson, 1222 Thomas Thomas Blvd., Elizabethton; a son, Harlan Ledford, Boone, N.C.; and three sisters, Mrs. Edna Masters, Erwin, Mrs. Bonnie Byrd, Bakersville, N.C., and Mrs. Mae Burleson of Arizona. Five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren also survive. Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Esther married Ransom M. Ledford about 1918 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Ransom was born on 2 Jan 1896 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 5 Mar 1973 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Milton married Maude Parker on 10 Apr 1949 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Maude (daughter of George Fornum Parker and Julia Canipe) was born on 25 May 1927 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 18 Dec 2017 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Bailey Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

ERWIN - Edna Sparks Masters, 97, of Erwin, TN passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 in the Erwin Health Care Center.

She was the daughter of the late John and Minnie Greene Sparks of Bakersville, NC. She was a member of 9th Street Baptist Church a was a former Dietary Manager for Unicoi County High School. Edna was preceded in death by her husband, John Leo Masters; daughter, Carolyn Adams; sisters: Myrtle Parker, Ester Ledford, Mae Burleson and Bonnie Byrd; brothers: Grover, Ernest, Milt, Luther, and Jess Sparks.

Survivors include her son, Johnny L. Masters of Erwin; grandchildren: Bethany Walser (Randy) and Sydney Bennett; great grandchildren: Loni Walser, Jakson Shelton and Bryce Bennett.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, October 13, 2018 in the Evergreen Mausoleum located in the Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin. Rev. Chuck Shipley will officiate. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Edna married John Leo Masters on 28 Nov 1940 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee. John (son of Henry Grady Masters and Hattie Griffith) was born on 9 Dec 1919 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 11 Mar 2014 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, , Unicoi County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married Fred James Johnson about 1922 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Fred (son of Carr Hunter Johnson and Laura M. Callahan) was born on 3 Aug 1902 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 23 Aug 1980 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Texie married David G. Peters about 1920 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . David (son of James Peters and Mary Ann Hoilman) was born on 23 Jul 1893 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 15 Mar 1942 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Slippery Hill Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Pearl married Jacob D. Ollis on 17 Dec 1912 in , Mitchell County, North Carolina, . Jacob (son of Enzor L. Ollis and Susan Louisa Clarke) was born on 1 Jul 1893 in , Mitchell County, North Carolina, ; died on 5 May 1964 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Handy married Myrtle Mae Hicks on 17 May 1930 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee. Myrtle was born on 28 May 1907 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee; died on 27 May 1991 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, , Unicoi County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Floyd married Dorothy Beatrice Ford on 9 Sep 1939 in , Washington County, Tennessee, . Dorothy was born on 30 Nov 1921 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, ; died on 18 Jul 2011 in , Washington, Tennessee, ; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Unicoi County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Oscar married Bertha Forbes on 8 Feb 1920 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Bertha was born about 1902 in , Giles County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lizzie married Baxter Bennett on 24 Feb 1924 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Baxter (son of Henley Rice Bennett and Trissie Tinton) was born on 29 Jul 1899 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 11 Apr 1984 in Madison County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Dull Young Cemetery, , Yancey County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Pearl married Augustus Miller about 1925 in North Carolina, , , . Augustus was born on 26 Jul 1902 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 3 Mar 1985 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Russ Memorial Cemetery, , Mitchell County, Norh Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Robert attended Tipton Hill High School in Bakersville, Mitchell County, North Carolina prior to moving to Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee to be with two of his brothers. He was working in Johnson City when he enlisted in the United States Army on 28 June 1944 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Robert completed basic training at Camp Blanding, near Starke, Florida and arrived England on 1 December 1944 to a Replacement Depot. He was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Regiment. He participated in two unit campaigns; Northern France and the Rhineland. It was in this campaign while engaged with the enemy at Nocher, Luxembourg on 18 January 1945 that Robert was Killed in Action. He was 24 years old and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Robert was a member of the Mt. View Baptist Church in Honeycutt, North Carolina and the son of Stokes Ulysses Grant Burleson and Ida Sparks.

Clyde married Ola Mae Colbert about 1929 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Ola was born on 18 Mar 1918 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 25 May 1990 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Garland Greene Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BAKERSVILLE - Dona Y. Buchanan, 90, of Cook Town Road, died
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2004 at Brian Center Healthcare in Spruce Pine.
She was the daughter of the late John and Hattie Greene Yelton,
and wife of Homer Buchanan. She was also preceded in death by a
step-daughter, two sisters, and five brothers.

Survivors include a step-daughter, Helen Smutz of Salina, KS; two
sisters, Mary Yelton and Martha Mosley, both of Bakersville; two
brothers, Vestal Yelton of Sykesville, MD, and Joyce Yelton of
Bakersville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Cloudland Baptist
Church. Revs. Danny Silvers and Glen Autrey officiated. Burial
followed in Hobson Cemetery.

Dona married Homer G. Buchanan about 1934. Homer was born on 27 Jun 1913 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 30 Oct 1988 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Baxter Hobson Cemetery, , Mitchell County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Joyce Yelton, age 94, of George McKinney Road in Bakersville, NC, passed away April 27, 2010 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, NC. He was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the son of the late John and Hattie Green Yelton. He was self-employed as a farmer.
Survivors include; daughters, Beulah M. Gardner and Sheila Sparks both of Bakersville, NC, Shirley D. Neal of Johnson City, TN, Marty Ulrich of Dallas, TX, Linda Remos of Elkton, MD, sons, Bryson Yelton of Hickory, NC, Ray Yelton of Monroe, NC, Michael and Larry Dean Yelton both of Bakersville, NC, sisters, Martha Mosley of Erwin, TN, Mary Yelton of Bakersville, NC, brother, Vestal Yelton of Sykesville, MD, sixteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Francis M. Yelton, five brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 8:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Grandson, Lee Tharp will be speaking at the service. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN.

Joyce married Frances Marie Edwards about 1938. Frances was born on 6 Jan 1922 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died in Dec 1986 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; was buried in Roselawn Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mr.Vestal Yelton, 92 of Sykesville, died Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Transitions Health Care in Sykesville. Born November 9, 1922 in North Carolina, he was the son of the late John and Hattie Green Yelton. He was the husband of the late Carrie Yelton, his wife of 54 years. He had worked for Baltimore City Water Supply for 36 years. He loved the outdoors, especially camping, hunting, gardening and fishing. He loved spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren and teaching them about the outdoors. He was a member of Louisville Bible Church. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law Marvin and Emma Yelton of Sykesville, daughters and sons-in-law Patsy and Ron Ash, and Gerri and Duane Darling, all of Finksburg, sister Mary Yelton of Bakersville, NC, grandchildren Georgia Haugh, Pam Taylor, Kevin Ash, and Christopher Darling, and great grandchildren Crystal Baldwin, Kayla Ash, Carrie Darling and Hannah Darling. He was predeceased by his daughter Barbara Bailey, by his siblings James, Joyce, Arnold, Clyde, Floyd, London and Jessie Yelton, Martha Mosley, Cora Adkins, and Dona Buchanan and by his granddaughter Melissa Baldwin. The family will receive friends at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville on Sunday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment in Lake View Memorial Park, Sykesville.

Notes:

Mrs.Martha Beulah Yelton Mosley,
age 85 of Erwin, Tennessee,
went to rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the Unicoi County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.

Mrs. Mosley was a native of Bakersville,Mitchell County,North Carolina & had lived in Erwin,TN for the last 8 years.

She was a daughter of the late John Henry and Hattie Greene Yelton & was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC.
Martha loved her church family very much and was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. She was a loving mother,grandmother,aunt,great-aunt and sister who loved everyone she met.

Other than her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr.Jess Mosley, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Sue and Mr.Ronnie Webb of Erwin; grandson, Scotty Penix of Kingsport, TN; granddaughter Dr. Melessia Webb and her husband Shane Gouge of Elizabethton, TN. Twin sister, Mary Yelton of Bakersville, NC; a brother, Vestal Yelton of Sykesville, MD,a very special niece, Maxie Yelton of Bakersville, NC, along with her best friend Margorie Hilemon of Bakersville,NC and other relatives.

A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Valley Funeral Home with Dr. Allan King, Pastor David Foster and Pastor Todd McLaughlin officiating. Music will be provided by The Landmarks Quartet with Charlotte McCurry and Ron Fender.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00pm until service time. A committal service and interment will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:00am at the Evergreen Cemetery Mausoleum. Those who will be attending the interment service are asked to meet at Evergreen Cemetery by 9:55am Saturday.

Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Unicoi County Memorial Hospital Long Term care 2, and the staff of Caris Healthcare.

Frances married Claude Carlton Lewis on 25 Dec 1923 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Claude (son of Samuel B. Lewis and Ottie Isabell Overholser) was born on 30 Jun 1899 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 20 Dec 1939 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Sparks Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frances married Robert Sherman Jarrett about 1937 in , , Tennessee, . Robert (son of George Dewey Jarrett and Sarah Jane Shepard) was born in Jul 1897 in , Mitchell County, North Carolina, ; died in Jul 1968 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Rae Pearl Kirby on 13 Mar 1935 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee. Rae (daughter of William Columbus "Lum" Kirby and Lula Mae Pleasant) was born on 16 Apr 1912 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 26 May 1980 in , Giles County, Tennessee, ; was buried in Sparks Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Labon married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA - COZAD, Lena Humphreys, 90, of North Chesterfield, Va. went on to heaven May 13, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Humphreys; second husband, William Cozad; her parents, Thurman H Sparks, Sr. and Lydia Yelton; and several sisters and brothers. She is survived by her sons, Andrew Humphreys (Lori) and David Humphreys (Shari); grandchildren, Angela (Steve), Anthony (Paige), Aaron (Megan), Jennifer (Tim) Dotter, and Jonathan (Chaunte); 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Lewis; and brother, Thurman Sparks Jr.; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She was known for several years as owner of A World of Art, which later became Collectors Gallery, as well as a volunteer at Chippenham and Johnston Willis hospitals, and an active member of Bon Air Baptist Church. She loved spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, hosting celebration and holiday events at her home, travelling, reading good novels, and inspiring us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bon Air Baptist Church.

Ralph married Shirley Lynn Kent about 1958 in , Carter Carter, Tennessee, . Shirley was born on 16 Dec 1927 in , Carter Carter, Tennessee, ; died on 18 Feb 1995 in , , Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frank married Della Elizabeth Bennett about 1938 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee. Della (daughter of Charles M. Bennett and Matha Elizabeth Hurdt) was born on 10 Sep 1920 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; died on 28 May 1991 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Monte Vista Memorial Park, , Washington County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Ella R. Holtsclaw about 1926 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Ella was born on 9 Jul 1911 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 1 Jan 1998 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Winters Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sallie married Fletcher David McKinney on 17 Dec 1928 in , Carter County, Tennessee, . Fletcher (son of Jeremiah McKinney and Dianah Osborne) was born on 1 Feb 1901 in , Carter County, Tennessee, ; died on 3 Oct 1984 in , Carter County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Delestine Violet Winters about 1940 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Delestine (daughter of Corbett Fletcher Winters and Nina Ethel Greene) was born on 5 Sep 1923 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 3 Aug 2003 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Lindy Richardson Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
ERWIN - June Lee Johnson Dills, age 94, Erwin, passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the Center on Aging. She was a native of Mitchell County, North Carolina and a daughter of the late Fred Jay Johnson and Lucy Sparks Johnson. June lived most of her life in Erwin.

She was a member of Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church. June worked at Southern Pottery for several years until the pottery’s closing. She also worked at Brown’s Hardware and was an Operator at Hoover Ball Bearing for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Dills in 1984; three brothers: Stewart Johnson, Brown M. Johnson and Charles “Ed” Johnson.

Survivors include one brother, Doug Johnson (Laraine), Erwin; two sisters: Barbara Tapp, Erwin and Shirley Stephenson, Nashville; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:30 PM on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Pastor Terry Richardson will officiate. Music will be provided by Allan Foster. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

June married James S. Dills about 1948. James (son of Samuel Gaston Dills and Zula E. Ford) was born on 27 Jan 1918 in Pulaski County, , , Kentucky; died on 1 Sep 1984 in Unicoi County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Roselawn Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

ERWIN - Barbara Ellen Johnson Tapp, age 90, Erwin, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. She was born in Toecane, North Carolina to the late Fred James Johnson and Lucy Sparks Johnson. Barbara lived most of her life in Erwin.

She had an eye for fashion and enjoyed working as a Buyer for Belk until she retired in 1994. Barbara was a faithful, seventy-year member of Ninth Street Baptist Church. She loved singing in the choir and loved her church.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest K. Tapp in 1977; one daughter, Brenda Howell; three brothers: Stewart M. Johnson, Brown M. Johnson, and Charles “Ed” Johnson; one sister, June Dills; daughter-in-law, Peggy Tapp.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, three sons: Marvin “Butch” Tapp, Kingsport, Michael L. Tapp, Seymour, TN and Steve Tapp, Erwin; one brother, Douglas E. Johnson (Loraine); one sister, Shirley Stevenson, Nashville; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Barbara’s family will receive friends on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Ninth Street Baptist Church. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held in Roselawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Barbara married Ernest Kenneth Tapp on 4 Feb 1949 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, . Ernest (son of Geter E. Tapp and Olive Murphy) was born on 28 Jan 1931 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, ; died in Jan 1977 in , Unicoi County, Tennessee, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Leona Peters Cook, age 83, of Minneapolis, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 at her home. A native of Unicoi, TN, she was a daughter of the late Dave and Texie Sparks Peters. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Cook, who passed away in July of 2009; sisters: Lucy Snyder, Ruth Pittman and Mary Cook and brothers: Charlie Peters and Dave Peters, Jr. Leona was a member of Belview Baptist Church and enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles. She used to make crochet dolls to give to her friends.

Surviving is her daughter, Glenda Bowman and husband, David, of Altamont; sons: Phillip Cook and wife, Debbie, of Newland and Calvin Cook, Jr. also of Newland; grandchildren: Denny Bowman, Dorinda Franklin, Stephen Cook, David Cook and Holly Cook; great-grandchildren: Keilah Bowman, Jonas Bowman, Haley Franklin and Oliviana Cook. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 10th in Belview Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Ricker and Rev. Tommy Carver. Burial will follow in the Belview Cemetery.

Dorl married Edgar Jackson Singleton about 1943 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Edgar (son of Samuel Leander Singleton and Margaret Ellafare "Ella" Moody) was born on 21 Mar 1915 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 1 Oct 1946 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Slippery Hill Cemetery, Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

ERWIN - Handy John "H.J." Sparks, age 86, of Erwin, went home to be with his Lord, on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Center on Aging and Health.

Mr. Sparks was a native of Erwin and a son of the late Handy and Myrtle Mae (Hicks) Sparks. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a Foreman at Clinchfield Railroad. H.J. served faithfully at First Christian Church. He was hardworking and dependable and he never met a stranger. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers: Edward Sparks, Dennis E. Sparks and Douglas Sparks

Handy John "H.J." Sparks leaves behind to cherish his memory: Wife: Berdie (Coffie) Sparks, of Erwin; Sister: Patsy Sparks, of Erwin; Sisters-in-law: Alice Sparks, of Erwin; Edith Sparks, of Erwin; Several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at the Center on Aging and Health for their love and care.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Handy John "H.J." Sparks in a graveside committal service to be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Evergreen Cemetery. Brother Steven Sparks will officiate.

Notes:

Dennis Eugene Sparks, age 81, 109 Banner Street, Erwin passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Erwin Health Care Center. He was a lifelong resident of Erwin. Mr. Sparks was a son of the late Handy and Myrtle Hicks Sparks. He was an employee of American Water Heater for twenty-seven years. Mr. Sparks was a member of Love Chapel Christian Church. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers: Doug and Edward Sparks.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, wife of fifty-eight years, Edith Jean Sparks; one son, Dennis James Sparks and wife, Lorraine; one brother, H.J. Sparks and wife, Berdie; one sister, Patsy Sparks; one sister-in-law, Alice Sparks; two nephews: Steven Sparks and wife, Tonya, Todd Rogers and wife, Vickie; one niece, Gina Haun all of Erwin.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M until the hour of service Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Steven Edward Sparks will officiate at the 2:00 P.M. service. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Notes:

JOHNSON CITY - Sue Sparks Wilson, of Johnson City, passed away peacefully on May 25 after a brief illness.

She was of the Baptist faith and lifelong member of Ninth Street Baptist Church in Erwin, Tenn.

She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd D. Sparks and Beatrice Ford Sparks; her brother, Floyd “Dave” Sparks.

Survivors include her son, Thomas D. Wilson; special aunt Evelyn Ford; and many beloved cousins from the Sparks and Ford families.

Sue had a big personality and an even bigger heart. A heart full of love she gave away freely. Several years of declining health did not diminish her spirit or her love for others. She was a devout Christian and shared that faith with anyone she could reach. She cared about people. She was the best daughter, sister, and mother anyone could know.

She graduated from Unicoi County High School where she was involved in many activities and held numerous class leadership positions. She was also captain of the cheerleading squad in her senior year. She attended East Tennessee State University for three years where she majored in Business.

She began working in the telecommunications industry while in college. She worked her way up to general manager of cable television systems in the northeast Tennessee region from Warner Communications to Scripps-Howard Cable and Comcast. She served as president of the state chapter of Women in Cable during the late 1980s. Through this role she worked to advocate the role of women as leaders in the industry. She earned numerous awards and recognitions for her work in the industry.

Her career later led her to become customer services manager at Bill Gatton Chevrolet-Cadillac in Bristol. Sue delighted in working with customers and co-workers alike. She spent 10 years with a wonderful group of colleagues who became dear friends to her long after she retired.

Sue’s family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022, in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Steve Rice will officiate her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in the Evergreen Cemetery Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be chosen from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Rice, Chris Lee, Doug Mullins, Ronnie Hamilton, John Wright, Jr., and Robert Carpenter.

Notes:

JOHNSON CITY - James G. Burleson, 86, Johnson City, died Friday, December 30, 2016, following a lengthy illness.

Jim was a native of Mitchell County, NC, a former resident of Elizabethton, and had been a resident of Johnson City since 1959.

He was a son of the late Oscar and Bertha Forbes Burleson.

Jim was a 1948 graduate of Happy Valley High School, then received a bachelor degree from Steed College. Later he attended Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, where he received additional specialized training for his career in banking.

Jim was a Senior Vice-President and Trust Officer, retiring from First Tennessee Bank following a long career in local banking.

He was a member of Boones Creek Bible Church, and a former member of Unaka Avenue Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as a trustee.

Jim formerly served on the Board of Directors of Milligan College, and was an active member of the Nativic Civitan Club.

He was an artist, and enjoyed painting oils, acrylic and water colors.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Grant Ramsey, three brothers, Clarence, Howard and Lee Burleson, and a sister, Thelma Burleson Sparks.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 2:00 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Pastor Dale Cunningham, officiating. Special music will be provided by Lee Ann Davis.

Interment will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

James married Mattie Bell "Pat" Arnold on 8 Aug 1959 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee. Mattie (daughter of Andrew J. Arnold and Eliza Velma Stout) was born on 29 Nov 1929 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 3 Dec 2019 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MURRELLS INLET, SC — Mr. George Bennett, 85, of Murrells Inlet, SC formerly of Johnson City, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016, at Prince George Healthcare Center in Georgetown, SC.

Mr. Bennett was a native of Mitchell County, NC. He was a son of the late Baxter and Lizzie Burleson Bennett. Mr. Bennett spent his younger years working as a logger in North Carolina. In 1955, he moved to Johnson City and began working for Power Tool Company, where he was a service manager for over 50 years. He was a member of Brummitts Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Green Mountain, NC, where he served as Deacon for many years. Mr. Bennett had a deep love and passion for motorcycles, especially trail bikes and boating. He loved to water ski and also loved to camp.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 55 years, Anna Bryant Bennett; one sister, Joyce Bennett McKinney.

Survivors include: one son, David Michael Bennett and his wife Sally; one brother, Johnny Bennett and his wife Camile; two grandsons, Chad Bennett and his wife Charity and Brad Bennett and his wife Brigetta; one great grandson, Ethan Bennett; one great granddaughter, Sofia Bennett; three step grandsons, Jason, Rodney and James O'Bryant; four step great grandsons, Brycen and Caleb O'Bryant and Dominic and Jordan Foster; one step great granddaughter, Chelsea O'Bryant; two special dogs, Hannah and Grace.

The family of Mr. George Bennett will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM on Saturday, June 4, 2016, in the Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 PM with Rev. Paul Bennett officiating.

The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be: Todd Bohn, Sam Ford, Chris Goins, Fred Whitson, Wayne Whitson, and Jimmy Bowers. Honorary pallbearers will be: Mike Query and J.D. Whitson.