February 16, 2025, 81, Rocky Mount —
Carolyn Sparks, 81, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love. Her generous spirit touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed.
Carolyn was born on June 23, 1943, to David and Margaret Schindler. She grew up in Sardis, OH where she worked with her family on their dairy farm. After graduating from River High School in 1961, she earned her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and her Master of Science degree from Case Western Reserve University.
After college, Carolyn moved to Goldsboro where she began her career in public health. She served the state of North Carolina in that capacity for over thirty years and was passionate about improving health outcomes for the women and children of our state.
Carolyn was a long-time member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years.
Carolyn married her beloved husband and best friend, Glen Sparks, in 1972. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage and raised their two children in Goldsboro. After their retirement, Carolyn and Glen enjoyed traveling together as much as possible. Carolyn visited all 50 U.S. states and especially enjoyed a cross-country Canadian trip via train. In the summers she enjoyed visiting the North Carolina mountains with friends and family.
Carolyn was a nurturing and fiercely loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She encouraged her children to reach their goals and potential and offered support in those endeavors throughout their lives. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was proud of all their individual interests and accomplishments.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Glen, her parents David and Margaret, and her brother Earl Schindler.
She is survived by her children Don Sparks and his wife Pam & Joy Rau and her husband Phil, her grandchildren Glenn Strickland, Jr. (Jessica), Chad Sparks (Megan), Travis Sparks (Ashley), Don Sparks, Jr., Sam Rau, and Molly Rau, her great-grandchildren Haylee, Harper, Ivy, Lainey, Erin, and Liam, and her brother Roy Schindler.
Carolyn’s funeral service will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.
