Linda L. Sparks
Linda L. Sparks of Dorchester, 71, passed away on April 19, 2015 from sudden complications of long-term illness. She was born July 3, 1943 to Ethel Lee and John Jerkins in Loxley, Alabama. Linda moved to Boston in 1955 at the age 12 where she lived in the West End. She graduated Girls High School in 1961. In her graduating class yearbook her stated ambition was to attend college. It is also during her years on Beacon Hill where she began a lifelong relationship with Old West Church. While she had long been unable to attend, she remained vocal and demonstrative of her celebration of the church that instilled deep belonging in a community which held her with respect and love.
On September 8, 1963 she married, Joe R. Sparks, also an Alabama transplant, who she met in Boston and made a life with for 52 years.
She attended Boston University and studied sociology where a course project evolved into a career in law enforcement. She was one of the first three women to join the Quincy Police Department in 1975. Linda was a proud member of the QPD for 27 years retiring as a detective in 2001.
Linda was also a proud member of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts where she was a Past Worthy Matron of Celestial Chapter No. 6.
Linda was a great traveler. She enjoyed exploring the history, culture and people of the Caribbean where she traveled extensively. She found deep joy and serenity anywhere near or on the ocean whether it was the Caribbean Sea or on the Cape. Linda was an adventurous spirit and at the age of 50 gave herself the gift of aviation lessons.
Linda was independence and grace personified. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe R. Sparks of Dorchester; daughter, Melissa L. Sparks and partner, Martha J. Haverly of Ipswich; her sister, LaRose A. Jerkins of East Boston; half siblings; Elfina Jerkins of Loxley, Alabama and John H. Jerkins, Jr. of Troy, Alabama; her treasured godchildren, Kafe C. Williams-Kalez and Crystal M. Williams-Kalez of Jamaica Plain; aunt, Ruby Boyd of Riverside, California.
The family is grateful for the kindness and loving support of her friends, colleagues, Old West Church and healthcare providers over the years. Visiting hours will be held April 29th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER
9:30-11:30AM. Funeral service to follow immediately after at 11:30AM in the funeral home. Relatives and friends invited. Interment at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial gift to The National Kidney Foundation.
The National Kidney Foundation, https://www.kidney.org
Mailing address: NKF, 30 E 33rd ST, NY, NY, 10016. Please write, “Memorial gift: Linda L. Sparks” in the memo line.
Guestbook Entries
Lifting up in prayer, we will see you in a few months.
To the Sparks Family,
God has plucked another flower to plant in his eternal garden. Be of good cheer, your love one will keep a watchful eye over you. Your love one fought a good fight and will now rest in heavenly peace. With heartfelt sympathy.
Dearest Melissa,
While I am saddened by the news of your loss, I am uplifted by the brilliant light and life story of your mother Linda.
May your healing begin when you are ready, and your mother’s love be forever by your side and planted deeply in your soul.
Peace be with you,
Sheryl
May the beautiful memories of Linda live on and bring you comfort in knowing she is at peace. Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow, you are in my prayers. With Deepest Sympathy.
Deepest Sympathy and Condolence to the Sparks family. May you find strength in God’s presence at this time and may his love be your comfort.
Hi Melissa,
I am very sorry for the sad time you and your family are going through. Losing our mothers is never easy, but they are ever present in the courage and determination they have passed onto us. May you have “Shalom” in your home and heart.
Siobhan
To Rufus and Melissa,
Linda and I had a friendship that was closely knitted in high school and continued into our marriages. Our husbands were close friends and remain so, a nostalgic reminder of earlier times.
Linda was my friend and confidant and I remember her as my fishing buddy at Moon Island where we fished daily, rain or shine, kids or no kids. I remember Linda performing on stage in high school and wearing that contagious smile. She loved adventure and traveled extensively. But what I am reminded of most is her generous heart, Linda would freely give anything in her power to make your day and did so without any expectation. May you both find comfort in knowing that amongst her many accolades, Linda was truly a good friend. May God continue to bless and comfort you.