Carolyn Jean Hurley Sparks was born on May 15, 1949 in Jamestown, OH. Born to Robert and Betty Hurley, members of a Southwestern Ohio farm family that dates back to the state's founding, Carolyn grew up outside of Wilmington, where she learned the value of hard work, family, and faith. She and her younger, beloved sister, Nancy Jane Hurley Bledsoe, cherished their time together, actively participating in 4-H, riding horses, and attending public school with close friends. Carolyn showed and sold beef cattle on behalf of her parents, saving enough money to purchase her first car, a Ford Mustang. This began her lifelong love of automobiles. That Ford Mustang would carry Carolyn to and from Wilmington High School, where she graduated from in May 1967. It also took her to Wilmington College as she witnessed the inaugural pre-season practices of the newly formed Cincinnati Bengals. The Mustang would take her to the Xenia YMCA, where she would catch the eye of the young John Charles Sparks, who served as a lifeguard at the pool. It was love at first sight for John and an instant connection between the pair. The two were married on July 12, 1969, and they spent more than 54 years, loving, supporting, and experiencing life together. Carolyn worked as a florist to support John as he attended graduate school at Wright State University. Just one year later, the pair adventured to Louisville, Kentucky, as John pursued additional education at the Presbyterian Seminary. While there, Carolyn began work on her teaching certificate in early childhood education at the University of Louisville, while John taught mathematics in the evening at the same University. It was not long before John and Carolyn decided to start a family, and welcomed new baby boy, Robert Clinton Sparks, in 1973, while living in Louisville. Like so many women, Carolyn put on hold her own ambitions and devoted her life to being an incredible mother and wife. Carolyn and John moved back to Xenia, Ohio, where John took a job as a mathematician with the U.S. Air Force. The two bought a home and began settling in alongside their extended family and close-knit community. Their second son, Curtis John Sparks, was born in 1980. John and Carolyn watched their sons grow in Southwestern Ohio. Carolyn was an active member of the community, serving extensively in their church, volunteering at the local school, and ministering to friends and family. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of teaching when her sons were older, joining the staff of Xenia Nazarene Christian School as a preschool teacher. Carolyn was loved by so many. She could not go around town without someone approaching her saying, "Mrs. Sparks, is that you? I was in your preschool class." She was radiant to all who knew her, with her true beauty showing inside and out. With her beloved smile, impeccable taste, and painted nails, Carolyn shared her love with others by always having the perfect gift, big or small, and spending time with those around her. She was known for her famous chocolate chip cookies, and would often hand them out to the neighborhood kids who adored her. She loved gardening and knew the Latin names of every flower. Her close circle of friends often dined or shopped together, celebrating a slower pace of life. In her later years, Carolyn and John traveled throughout the United States, adventuring together, once again, to places like Yellowstone, Boston, Charleston, New England, the Great Lakes, Orlando, and many other destinations. Carolyn also kept in fashion through technology. Never to be outdone, she had the latest Apple gear, and could keep up with her grandsons, who were born in 2011 and 2015. Carolyn was a beloved Grandmother, and would often spend hours on the phone talking to her grandsons or playing, coloring, cooking, or shopping with them. Carolyn is survived by her loving husband John, her two sons, Robert and Curtis (Stephanie), two grandchildren, her sister Nancy (H. Andrew Bledsoe), nephew John Andrew Bledsoe (Abby), and numerous cousins and family in Southwestern Ohio. She is preceded in death by her mother Betty and father Robert. She will truly be missed by all. A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held at 11am, Saturday, April 20, at Xenia United Presbyterian Church.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in her name at Xenia United Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.