Sister Merline Lavern Lester Sparks was born to Mr. James A. Lester and Mrs. Tennie V. Jackson on April 8, 1938 in Jonesville, Harrison County, Texas.

At a very young age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Scottsville, TX. Here, she remained a faithful member until her health de-clined. She was educated in the Marshall public schools, a 1956 H.B Pemberton graduate.

On November 29, 1958, she was united in Holy Matrimony with Londell Sparks. To this union (4) four children were born; (3) three boys and (1) one girl. Her husband, parents, (2) two brothers, (3) three sisters, 2 (two) sons Earnest Sparks Sr. and Lavencia Sparks all preceded her in death.

Merline Sparks departed this life on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Heritage House Nursing and Rehab in Marshall, TX.

She leaves to cherish her memory, (1) one daughter Priscilla Sparks of Scottsville, TX and (1) one son Emory (Avonne) Sparks of Marshall, TX; (3) Three sisters, Jenny Jenkins, Delores (Johhny) Flowers, and Loyce Harris all of Dallas, TX; (1) one brother Calvin (Burlinda) Lester of Dallas, TX; (1) one brother - in - law, Leon (Freddie) Sparks of Bakersfield, CA; 10 Grandchildren, 17 Great grandchildren, a number of niece, nephews, other relatives, and friends.