Sheldia B. Sparks passed away following a brief illness on Friday, July 26th, 2024. She was born on August 4th, 1951 in Springfield, KY to Sterlin and Ramie Bishop. Sheldia was the youngest of six kids and graduated from Washington County High School where she was a member of the cheerleading team. She then attended and graduated from the University of Kentucky earning a Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders. Sheldia was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and spent time volunteering at Eastern State Hospital. She completed her Master’s in Communication Disorders from the University of Mississippi and University of Kentucky. Most of Sheldia’s career was spent with Fayette County Public Schools specifically as a Speech Pathologist working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and cochlear implant students. Her time with FCPS was spent serving at Ashland, Rosa Parks, Russell Cave, and Garden Springs Elementaries; Lexington Junior High School (now LTMS ) and Crawford Middle School; Henry Clay High School; and at FCPS Central Office. Sheldia was a strong advocate for her students and families throughout her career. She frequently mentored Graduate Students and was very proud of all that they were able to accomplish.

Sheldia met Donald T. Sparks II, whom was the love of her life, while completing her Master’s Program. They were married at Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Versailles, Kentucky on June 18th, 1977 followed by a reception held at the Tates Creek Country Club in Lexington, Kentucky. They moved to Jackson, Mississippi for a brief period before returning to Lexington, Kentucky where they have lived since. They had one daughter (Allison) and several cats over the years whom she cherished. During Allison’s childhood, Sheldia was a proud cheerleader mother often organizing fundraisers, hosting team garage sales, and cheering proudly for the Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs. The family enjoyed vacationing on Seabrook Island, South Carolina which extended into trips that included Allison’s husband Josh Fain and grandchildren.

Sheldia’s favorite and most devoted role was as GeeGee to her grandchildren Hadley Reese and Brooks Alexander Fain. She was their primary care giver when they were babies and toddlers. She hosted annual Christmas Cookie decorating parties, weekly after school McDonald’s ice cream runs, Girls’ Christmas Lunches at the Castle, Harlem Globetrotter trips, movie times, sleepovers, and generally anything Hadley or Brooks wanted to do. Sheldia was known to volunteer and jump in to help with any of the kids’ school projects, parties, and activities. She coordinated tutoring and therapy sessions. She helped complete book projects, About Me posterboards, spelling homework activities, and anything else needed. Sheldia was extremely proud of her grandchildren’s attendance at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School and often made herself available to volunteer there or provide needed items.

Sheldia had a deep love for reading and was always willing to loan a friend a book or provide recommendations. She was a world class baker and known for her 6 Layer Lower Alabama Cake. If you ever were invited to their home, you were prepared to be fed with Sheldia always arranging a beautiful spread of food and table to dine. She was incredibly skillful at crafting and could give Martha Stewart a run for her money. Her ability to decorate for a holiday will never be matched. Sheldia loved spending time with her dear friends. Those ranged from high school, college & graduate school friends to neighbors to work family. She was an avid water exercise enthusiast and loved her classmates who became like family.

Sheldia was preceded in death by her parents Sterlin and Ramie Bishop, brothers Dewane Bishop and Gayron Bishop, and sisters Anna Helen Carey and Norma Jean Sims. She is survived by her husband of 47 years Donald Sparks, daughter Allison (Josh) Fain, grandchildren Hadley and Brooks Fain, sister Wanda Ingram, and numerous loved nieces, nephews, and various family members.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31st 4-8p at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 1030a at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road followed by Burial Service at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens. Any memorial contributions can be made in her name to Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School, 605 Hill N’ Dale Road, Lexington, KY 40503.