Anna Sue Jolly Sparkman was born Oct. 6, 1935, to Earl and Kathleen Bilbrey Jolly. Sue passed away June 15, 2024. She was one of 13 children and grew up in the Findlay community.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe F. Sparkman; her parents; five sisters, Earline Graham, Ruth Howard, infant Rosa Nell Jolly, Paula Jolly, Betty Jolly Phifer; and two brothers, Kenneth Ray Jolly and William Dwight Jolly.
Sue had been employed by Smith Pharmacy and Nations Bank. She had a wonderful relationship with Ralph, Billy, Jerry, and sisters Sandra, Linda and Gail.
She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She was a devout Christian and loved the Lord dearly.
Joe always lovingly called Sue “Mama” since their marriage, on Feb.18,1955. On Dec. 15, 1956, Sue and Joe welcomed a son, Joel Lyle. Joel married Lisa Sweeney giving Sue the daughter she always wanted. Tyson and Conor are two grandsons that are loved dearly. Tyson married Rachel Adams, and together they had Clark, giving Sue a great-grandson.
Sue always loved Tennessee Lady Vols and loved watching her niece, Kellie, play and also coach. She also loved TTU football, watching Conor, and TTU basketball, watching nephew Brent Jolly play. Sue was an avid basketball fan - first the Warriorettes then UT.
Sue loved watching TV. She spent many hours watching her favorite TV program, “Wheel of Fortune.”
Sue loved Christmas, cooking, making chocolate pies, family, and friends. She cooked for those less fortunate. She always helped clean house and made everyone feel so blessed to know her.
She loved people. She cared for the sick and took care of her brothers and sisters when they needed any kind of help. She loved her parents and cared for them deeply. She took her mother and father along with siblings or friends to doctors’ appointments and often paid the bill.
Sue will be truly missed by friends and church friends but most of all by her family. Joel took care of her and visited her almost every day since Joe passed away. He mowed her yard and everything she needed done. Joel loved his mom and will miss her greatly.
Sue was a good Christian lady, which is rare in today’s time. She is loved by her nieces and nephews very much. Even though she did not get to see them much, she will always be in their hearts.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., June 19, 2024, at Hunter Funeral Home, with entombment in Old Zion Cemetery. Paul Allen and David Graham will officiate
Joel Sparkman, Tyson Sparkman, Conor Sparkman, Billy Jolly, Chris Phifer, and Richard Lane will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Jolly, Jerry Jolly, Kevin Honaker, Merrill Howard, John Scoggins, and Shaun Young
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
