Elouise Powers Sparks

ELOUISE POWERS SPARKS Elouise Powers Sparks, age 83, died Saturday, May 24, 2003 at a local nursing facility. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Seventh & James Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Cemetery in Whitney, Texas. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Ruth Elouise Philen Sparks was born to Jack G. and Myrtle Rich Philen in Port Arthur, Texas January 11, 1920. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur where she participated in soccer, played the cello and was a member of the National Honor Society. She entered Baylor University in 1938 with a small scholarship and a job in the dining hall. She graduated in 1943 with a degree in home economics, majoring in dietetics. For seven years she was employed as Baylor’s Assistant Dietician. While working at Baylor, Elouise met and married Louis T. Powers of Valley Mills, while he was completing his master’s degree in education. After their marriage in 1948, they worked as dorm parents at the Waco State Home. Although they never had children, Elouise and Louis were committed to the education and encouragement of children everywhere. They both taught in the public school system. Elouise retired from teaching in the Connally I.S.D. after 35 years in 1984. They enjoyed many educational pursuits including traveling and “rock-hounding.” Eight years after Louis’ death, Elouise met Roy E. Sparks who was also widowed. She married Roy in 1979 and became the proud mother and grandmother to his loving family. They were active in community and family activities. Roy, a farmer and rancher, died in 1995. Elouise has been a member of Seventh & James Baptist Church since 1938 where she was active in the Wammack Class, the XYZ and also served as a volunteer cook for Meals On Wheels. She has sung with the Baylor University Senior Adult Choir almost since its inception and maintained a close friendship with Baylor and her Baylor friends throughout her lifetime. She is a member of the Old Main Society. Elouise was preceded in death by her brother, Jack G. Philen, Jr. and her step-daughter, Illene Sparks Heard. She is survived by her sister, Milda Mae Sutherland of Henderson, Nevada, and her sister-in-law, Geraldine Philen Warner of Nederland, Texas. Other survivors include her step-daughters, Luejean Porter and Glenda Jordan of Hillsboro and Kay Johnson of Mexia; step-son, Charles E. Sparks of Waco; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; nieces, nephews and a host of former students and friends. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, nephews and former students. Elouise was a cheerful, witty and caring person who will be missed by all. Memorial contributions may be made to Seventh & James Baptist Church of Waco or to the Baylor University Senior Adult Choir. The family expresses appreciation for care provided by Hillcrest Hospice and Regent Care Center.