Jean Powers Sparks

Jean Powers Sparks, 67, died April 2, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Leander Powers, a graduate of Savannah High School, Armstrong Junior College and the University of Georgia, although she became an enthusiastic Auburn University fan after marrying Auburn alum Roy Sparks. Jean taught high school English in Atlanta before she had two daughters and later was a regular substitute at DeKalb County schools for several decades. She was an unwavering supporter of her husband's high school football teams (Roy Sparks coached for 33 years at DeKalb County high schools), her daughters' and grandchildren's endeavors and the Armed Forces. She was the driving force behind First Baptist Decatur's mission project to send 100 gift boxes to soldiers and other servicemen and women stationed in the Middle East. Jean played ALTA and USTA tennis for many decades and was an avid runner who won or placed in several Atlanta and Savannah races. Jean also was a craft-maker, woodworker, calligrapher, seamstress, trivia buff, one-time Who Wants to Be a Millionaire contestant, traveler, choir and church member, and friend to many. Jean is survived by Roy, her husband of nearly 45 years; daughters Lee Ann Anand (Justin) and Laurie Junko (Matthew); grandchildren Jackson and Graham Anand, and Celia and Sam Junko; her identical twin, Jane Sparks (Terry); sisters, Polly Stramm (Steve) and Nancy Chapman; brother, Ken Powers; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 6 -8 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2013 at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home, Decatur, GA and in the parlor of First Baptist Church, Decatur from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2013 at First Baptist Church Decatur, Georgia. Remembrances: The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710 or to First Baptist Decatur's First School Special Fund, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033