DeEtta Elizabeth Van Antwerp Sparkman

Posted on December 7, 2022

DeEtta Elizabeth Van Antwerp Sparkman, 91, passed away, peacefully at her home, on December 2, 2022, in Perry. De was born July 30, 1931, in Tampa, Florida to Murray L. Van Antwerp and Nadene Smith Van Antwerp. Mrs. Sparkman was of the Methodist faith and was a member of First Methodist Church of Perry. De was a licensed practical nurse for Dr. Rawls, Doctors Memorial Hospital, Watkins Engineering and DMH Auxiliary. Afterward, she worked as a U.S. park ranger in North Carolina and Virginia. She was a past Girl Scout leader, a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and Junior Women’s Club. She made it a priority to instill her faith in her children and family. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, traveling, and going on cruises. She will be dearly missed by all those who love her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ken Sparkman, and her parents Murray L. and Nadene Van Antwerp. Mrs. Sparkman is survived by: her children, Kip (Doris Ernestine) Sparkman, Marty (Brenda) Sparkman, and Kende (Scott) Bodiford; six grandchildren, Eric, Erin, Christina, Kenneth, Sean, and Josh; eight great grandchildren, Colby, Amber, Hunter, Corbin, Ashlee, Amelia, Jameson, and Nathan; longtime friends Jan and Bob Boyd; as well as a host of cousins and many dear friends. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home of Perry with Bro. James Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Perry. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www. joepburnsfuneralhomes. com.