Linda Paulette Sparks

     Linda Paulette Sparks, age 81, of Grass Lake, formerly of Sumner, Michigan, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility, Jackson, Michigan. 
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan, at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with Jo Jones officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at New Haven Township Cemetery, New Haven Township, Michigan.
     Linda was born in Sheridan, Michigan, on August 6, 1944, the daughter of Homer “Ted” and Lorraine (Welch) Doolittle. In high school, she was captain of the cheerleading squad and the Stanton Chapter Sweetheart of the Future Farmers of America. She graduated from Stanton High School, with the class of 1962.
     Linda married Jerry Sparks on February 8, 1964, at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. She taught preschool during the 1970s. She went on to work in the banking industry and worked performing embroidery for Van Attens Hardware & Sporting Goods in Alma, Michigan, as well as Alma Public Schools. Later, Linda worked as an office manager for Sparks’ Pickle Company. She was an avid seamstress known for the pillows she created, and the clothes she made for family and friends. Linda enjoyed baking, swimming, roller skating, painting, and singing in church choirs. In retirement, Linda and Jerry spent their winters in Florida. She cherished and adored her three beloved grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
     She is survived by her husband Jerry Sparks; her daughter Candyce (Jeff) Shields; her son Timothy (Jan) Sparks; grandchildren: Emily Sparks, Bradley (Alyssa) Sparks, Jonathan Sparks, her sister Brenda (Gary) Adams; her brother Leonard (Agnes) Doolittle, and sister-in-law Susan Sparks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Lorraine, son Jeffrey Sparks, brothers: Lyle Joe and Kenneth “Kenny” Doolittle, in-laws Bernard and Pauline Sparks, and brother-in-law Chris Sparks.
     Memorials may be made to Ithaca’s Senior Activity Building, Ithaca, Michigan, or the Jackson County Medical Care Facility, Jackson, Michigan. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.