The Reverend Susan Meeks Sparks

The Reverend Susan Meeks Sparks passed from this life into the next on Saturday morning, March 2, 2024.  Susan was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 3, 1948, the oldest child of Robert Raymond and Charlottine Leota (Bumpus) Meeks.  She graduated in the 1966 class of Arsenal Technical High School on the east side of Indianapolis.  Susan was the editor of the Cannon, the school paper, and involved in her theatre and debate teams.

Susan graduated from Anderson (Indiana) University with a B.A. in English Literature.  On August 23, 1969 Susan married James Leslie Sparks in Indianapolis, IN.  She went on to earn a Master of Ministry and Master of Arts of Theological Studies from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.   Susan was ordained into Christian ministry by the Church of God in Michigan in January 2004.  Alongside her husband she served congregations in Indiana and Michigan.  

Susan was an avid reader of every type of literature.   Intensely loyal to friends, she provided a safe haven for all those who were hurting and to those who needed a listening ear or a word of wisdom.

Susan is survived by her sister-in-law, Reta (David) Thorn of Gastonia, NC; her niece, Elizabeth Hamilton; her great-niece & nephew, Catherine & William Hamilton, all of California; and adopted sisters, Mary Hirakis and Trudy Cathcart, both of Battle Creek.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James Sparks on December 21, 2023; her parents; and her younger brother, R. Kevin Meeks.  

At Susan’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Susan’s  Life will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the North Avenue Church of God, 1079 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 where the family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.  lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the North Avenue Church of God.  Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Susan may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.