Jeanette Sparks
Jeanette Sparks was born on September 2, 1933, in Kingston, Georgia, to her parents, Gus and Jessie Buford. Her family relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, during her early years, a city that would become her beloved home.
Jeanette embraced her faith early in life, accepting Christ and being baptized at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
She received her education through the Chattanooga public school system.
Jeanette worked for Cutter Laboratory until it closed. She later worked for Salem Carpets for 35 years until her retirement.
Jeanette, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, and with every fiber of her being, she showed love unconditionally for her family. Her life was full of joy; she had a gift of making others smile and laugh. Jeanette‘s favorite color was sapphire blue. She loved sweets, dancing, traveling, and elephant figurines. She must have known what elephants are known for- leadership, family, and spiritual guidance. Just like an elephant, she was our rock and our love for her will never end.
Rest in peace, Mama, Grandmama, Sister, Auntie, and Friend. We love you all the way to heaven‘s door.
Jeanette Sparks, at the age of 91, took her last peaceful breath on April 22, 2025, at home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Jessie Buford; sons, William L. Sparks, Jr., and Bruce Strickland; two sisters, Mary Alice Crayton and Norma Ashley; her brother, Gerald Buford; great-grandson, Zyon Johnson.
Jeanette is survived by her son, Andre Sparks; daughter, Sharon (Ronald) Strickland; sister, Willie Joyce Church; 14 grandchildren, Renika Sparks, William L. Sparks III, Lashonnon (Marcus) McConnell, Markee Sparks, Shywone Sparks, Sparkle Sparks, Zantreus Johnson, Shanerra Johnson, Jarvis Strickland, Jamal Strickland, Eric Hightower, Derrick Hightower, Keosha Strickland, and Brooklyn Strickland; three dedicated great-granddaughters, Afrika Jackson, ZaKiya Jackson, and Samorra Johnson; twenty-one other great grandchildren; one great-great grandson, Kason Johnson, and five others; step-son, Dexter L. Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends, Gwen Finely, Connie Ewings, Pasty Baker, Darnette G.Redden, Martha Lean Hayes, and the late Betty Jean Morgan and her family.
Public viewing will begin at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the funeral home. A celebration of Jeanette’s life will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at noon at Second Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2305 East Third Street, Chattanooga.
Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens East.
Arrangements are entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.