Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks

On the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks, of Taylorsville and formerly of Bakersville, passed away at the age of 102 with her two daughters by her side.

She was born in Mitchell County on January 25, 1923 to the late William Riley Johnson and Dolly Elizabeth Buchanan Johnson.

Mrs. Sparks was formerly employed at the Mitchell County Senior Center where she was the Head Cook. She had a love for baking, and she will be best remembered for the wonderful cakes that she made and sold at the Bakersville Farmer’s Market. In her spare time, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her family. She loved the Lord and was a member of Mine Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Sparks; her son, Ronnie Lane Sparks; and all of her siblings. Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Mary Howell and Glenda Jean McKinney (Roger); daughter-in-law, Sarah Margaret Sparks; eight grandchildren, Chase Spencer, Stacey Spencer, Beverly Hamilton (Jeff), Sandy Weaver (Mike), Mike McKinney (Angie), Rena Cook, Doris Fisher (Lee), and Ronnie Sparks, Jr. (Misty); eleven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Mine Creek Baptist Church in Bakersville. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Revs. Chris Rathbone, Kenneth Murphy, John Rathbone, and Mark McKinney. Burial will follow at the Grindstaff Cemetery in Bakersville.