Sherri Jane Sparks, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, entered into the presence of her Savior on March 26, 2025, at the age of 75.

Sherri was born on July 20, 1949, in Oklahoma City to Jim and Irma Bottger. She was the second of four children and grew up with a deep love for family and faith. Raised in the church by godly parents, she trusted in Jesus as her Savior at seven years old.

She graduated from Putnam City High School in 1967 and soon began working for Southwestern Bell. However, after several years, she felt a calling to ministry, leading her to Los Angeles, where she served as a summer missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ. During this time, she also worked with a local church, running their Christian coffee house as a place of outreach and fellowship.

A budding romance eventually brought her back to Oklahoma City, where she would marry the love of her life, Harvey Sparks II, on July 28, 1972. After their marriage, she enrolled at Central State University to pursue a teaching degree.

Harvey and Sherri were blessed with two children, Harvey and Summer. Sherri cherished her role as a wife and mother, choosing to put her teaching career on hold to devote herself fully to her young family. She took great joy in creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Once her children were in school, Sherri returned to teaching. She dedicated 22 years to the classroom, often choosing to work in underserved schools where she could make the greatest impact. She earned her master's degree in early childhood education from Southern Nazarene University in 1989. Even beyond the classroom, she poured into the lives of her students, offering encouragement and support and sometimes even stepping into unexpected roles—such as cheerleading sponsor or choir director—whenever her schools were in need.

Sherri was gifted in many ways. She was a talented singer and prolific songwriter, penning heartfelt songs about her faith and family. She frequently performed in concerts and revivals, using her voice to share the Gospel. She was an artist skilled in painting, and at one point she worked for a dress shop designing and sewing wedding dresses with meticulous craftsmanship. As a cook, she delighted in creating new dishes to share with family and friends.

Throughout her life, Sherri demonstrated a servant's heart. As an Army wife, she played a pivotal role in supporting military families, helping to organize the Family Support Unit in Harvey's unit where he served as a battalion commander. It would go on to become a model for military family support that would be adopted by other Army battalions nationwide. She also served as the national chaplain for the Reserve Officers' Association Ladies' Organization.

In the church, Sherri served wherever she was needed. She and Harvey ministered to youth at Council Road Baptist Church during his time as youth pastor. At Portland Avenue Baptist Church, she served in the music ministry and with Girls in Action. She served as a church pianist for several churches, as well as for local hospitals where she volunteered her musical talents to bring comfort to patients.

Sherri's faith was the foundation of her life. She lived out Proverbs 31:26: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Whether through teaching, music, or simply the way she loved those around her, she reflected the love of Christ in all she did.

Her legacy is one of faith, love, and generosity. While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, knowing that she is now home with her Lord.

Sherri was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Irma Bottger and brother Terry Bottger. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Harvey Sparks of Oklahoma City; son, Harvey Sparks and wife Jenifer of Oklahoma City; daughter, Summer Wyett and husband Kevin of Yukon; grandchildren, Tabitha, Benjamin, Gracie, Judah, and Asher Sparks and Mason, Gage, Hunter, and Walker Wyett; sister, Barbie Bradshaw and husband Herb; brother, Ted Bottger and wife Sandy; and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of Sherri's life will be held at Portland Avenue Baptist Church on April 2 at 10:30 A.M.

As Sherri was a lifelong advocate for the sanctity of life, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Hope Pregnancy Center Patty Ann Mobile Unit (www.obhc.org/give-now).

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master." – Matthew 25:23