Jean Thomas

Waynesville – Jean Sparks Thomas, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Haywood Lodge.

Jean was a native of Tennessee and a daughter of the late Woodrow and Pauline Russell Rowland.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Joe Sparks; second husband, Bill Thomas; and two brothers, Carroll and Wayne Rowland.  Jean was a secretary for 25 years with the Department of Corrections and a member of Ninevah Baptist Church where she was very active as pianist, prayer warrior, and choir member.  She loved gardening, shopping, the Atlanta Braves and had a love for chocolate.

She is survived by two daughters, Pam Turner and Ann Brown (Mark); son, Barry Sparks (Amy); a sister, Betty Rowland; brother, Jimmy Rowland (Teresa); two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Carol Ann Rowland; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  Jean also sponsored a son in Christ, Vanlalmuon Joute of India who said, “Because of her contributions for the love of God’s work, I am the person I am today”!

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Ninevah Baptist Church with the Reverend Mike Leslie officiating.  Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse, c/o Ninevah Baptist Church, P.O. Box 38, Waynesville, NC  28786 or to a veteran’s group of one’s choice.

The care of Mrs. Thomas has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com