Margaret Burgess Sparkman

Margaret Sparkman entered her eternal home on July 20, 2026, at the age of 84. Surrounded by compassionate care at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, she passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with ALS.

Born on August 5, 1941, in Barren County, Kentucky, Margaret was the daughter of William Burgess and Perna May Perkins Burgess. She graduated from Park City High School in 1959 and later attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

On July 22, 1961, Margaret married the love of her life, Colon "Sparkie" Sparkman, after the two were introduced by mutual friends. Together they built a life marked by devotion, hard work, and enduring love. In 1977, they welcomed their only child, Kimberly, who became one of Margaret's greatest joys.

Margaret and Sparkie spent 38 years working side by side in the hospitality industry along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway. They welcomed travelers and created lasting memories at Crabtree Meadows in Little Switzerland and later at The Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop in Laurel Springs. Following a rewarding career dedicated to serving others, Margaret retired in 2005.

A woman of deep faith, Margaret was a devoted Christian whose life reflected kindness, generosity, acceptance, and grace. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother whose greatest happiness came from time spent with family. Her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and thoughtful nature touched all who knew her and will be remembered for generations to come.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Sparkman; her beloved grandson, Rory Goss; her brother, Michael Burgess and wife Linda; and her sister, Wanda Moore and husband Jackie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Colon "Sparkie" Sparkman; her parents, William Burgess and Perna May Perkins Burgess; and her brothers, Bobby Ray Burgess and Douglas William Burgess; and several nieces & nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church in Walkertown, North Carolina. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with interment immediately afterward at the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for an ice cream social in the Family Life Center to celebrate Margaret's life and share cherished memories.

Flowers may be sent to Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, 3950 Macy Grove Road, Kernersville, NC 27284. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ALS Association (https://www.als.org), the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (https://www.brpfoundation.org/donate), or Morris Chapel United Methodist Church (https://morrischapel.org/give).