Robert Sparks

Robert Sparks Jr. was born on July 30, 1934 to Hervell and Robert Sparks, Sr. in Naples, Texas.  On Monday, November 9, 2020 he quietly transitioned from Earth to Glory to join his wife Sarah “Say Lee” whom his heart was devoted too and longed to be with again.

He graduated from Carver High School in 1954 in Naples, Texas. He moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 3, 1955 to live with his grandmother, Marie Gamble.

He met and married the love of his life, Sarah Lee Baker.  They were together for over 60 years before she passed away on March 24, 2020.  They raised five children Minnie, Linda, Bobby, Cheryl and Rose.

He started to work for the City of Albuquerque on July 5, 1955 as a laborer and worked his way up to plant supervisor in charge of the Land Application Site.  In 1985 he was the first African American to be elected as State President of the New Mexico Water & Wastewater Association. On September 1, 1986 he retired from the City of Albuquerque after 31 years of service.

He accepted the Lord as his personal savior at an early age at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Daingerfield, Texas. After moving to Albuquerque, he united with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. W.W. Williams.  He was ordained as a deacon on March 9, 1962. He served as deacon, financial secretary, Brotherhood President and Sunday School Teacher for the men’s class.

He served as Brotherhood President of the St. Luke District Association of Albuquerque.  In 1986 he was elected Brotherhood President of the Progressive State Baptist Convention of New Mexico. He loved fellowshipping with the New Mexico state laymen.

He was actively involved in the Brotherhood of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.  working with the Area 1 Workshop and in 2006 Brotherhood President Lawton appointed him Chairman of the Area 1 Workshop. He presently served as the Area Chairman of Region 8 Brotherhood Workshop.

He was a no-nonsense person.  He would always tell everyone to do things the right way and be appreciative of people!  He was a political and history buff.  He loved a good western. He loved talking to his grand-children and giving them words of wisdom to live life by. The grandchildren loved their PaPa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Lee Sparks; his parents, Hervell Sparks and Robert Sparks, Sr., sisters, Rose Sample and Queen Esther Garrett and granddaughter, Lacresia Dillard.

He leaves to cherish his memory children, Minnie Williams Wallace (Roy) Monahan, TX, Linda Baker (Clyde), Bobby Sparks, Cheryl Sparks all of Albuquerque, NM and Rose Jones (Rodney) Louisville, KY; brother, R. L. Sparks; sisters-in-laws Shirley Baty, Gloria Boxton and Larmeter Bivins; aunts, Lena Mae Freeman, Dallas, TX and Corlean Aikins; grandchildren, Kenny Baker, Shawn Baker, Rachel Jones, Ryan Jones and Raquel Jones;  10 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, brotherhood and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral Service will follow immediately.  Both services will be held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 608 Cesar Chavez Ave SE. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com

Daniels Family Funeral Service
Strong Thorne Chapel
1100 Coal Ave SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico  87106
505 842-8800