Dateline: Bakersville, NC

Emma Lee Sparks, age 99, of Cane Creek Rd Bakersville, NC, went home to be with the Lord April 29, 2019. She was a native of Mitchell County, NC and a daughter of the late Zeb and Bertie Wilson Buchanan. She was a member of Bakersville Baptist Church. Emma was a member of many clubs including; Clarissa Community Club, Mitchell County Homemakers Club, and The Women's Auxiliary Bakersville Fire Department (which she founded). She and her husband operated The Bakersville Market for many years. Emma was a great hostess and enjoyed extending hospitality.

Survivors include: one daughter; Janie Hensley (Bob), of Bakersville, NC, one son; Terry Sparks (Jan), of Monroe, NC, two grandchildren; Tammy Sorrell (Bobby), and Rob Hensley (Robin). four great grandchildren; Raven Hensley, Eliza, Sam, and Grace Sorrell, several nieces and nephews, brother in law; Joe Young, and sister in laws; Maxi Buchanan and Maxine Sparks.

She was preceded in death in addition to her parents by her husband; Eli Sparks, sisters; Grace Ellis, Nell Young, and Christine Young, and one brother; Warren Buchanan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 5:00PM in Bakersville Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Stewart and Rev. Jim Sutton officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Green Young Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Bakersville Baptist Church, Green Young Cemetery, or Hospice and Palliative Care of The Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Sparks family.