Barbara Ann Sparks Pace, age 75, was called home to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday May 9th, 2020 in Ashland, AL. Barbara was born in 1945 and was the daughter of the late Basil and Lassie Sparks. After growing up in Cragford and Olive Branch AL, she graduated from Clay County High School (CCHS) in 1963 where she was Valedictorian and Vice President of her senior class and student body.
After graduating from CCHS, she went to work at First National Bank in Ashland, and soon afterwards, on March 20, 1965, she married Cleve Pace and lived in Ashland, AL. Barbara enjoyed working and for many years was a small business owner of the Fashion and Gift Shop in Ashland, and then went to work for the Board of Education serving as the secretary and custodian of funds.
Barbara’s joy in life was spending time with family and friends and pointing others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist church and a founding member of the First Assembly of God in Ashland, AL, where for over forty years she taught a Bible class and always looked for opportunities to serve others. One of her many gifts was the gift of hospitality and she used it well by lavishing it on those whose path she crossed. She had a talent of making things special for those she loved.
As a lifelong resident of Clay County, she loved and cherished her heritage of being brought up in rural AL and all that entailed in an era of simpler times. She started writing a column in the Clay Times Journal called ‘Now and Then’ to share her many memories and compare/contrast them to times today.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Cleve Pace, sister – Mary Horn (late Frank Horn) of Lineville AL, and brothers – Bill Sparks (Ester Sparks) of Birmingham AL and Donald Sparks (late Dimple Sparks) of Ashland AL., brother and sister-in-law – Jerry and Betty Jane Reaves and Harry and Caroline Nelson, nieces and nephews – Patty East (late Phillip East), Wanda Camp, Randy Sparks, Tim Sparks(Sherri) Richard Sparks(Dianne), Rita Anderson(Russel), Steven Sparks, Rosemary Givens(Dan), Sandra Benefield(Matt), Janice Jones(Kevin) and a myriad of great nieces/nephews, and great-great nieces/nephews.
She was preceded in death by grandparents Eugene and Effie Sparks, parents Basil and Lassie Sparks, and niece Phyllis Upchurch.
Barbara loved to love people and in return, she was much loved. Her beautiful spirit will be missed by all. What a joy it must be for her to see Jesus face to face! A home-going celebration in memory of her life will be scheduled at a later date. A private grave side service was held Tuesday May 12th, 2020 at Ashland City Cemetery. Dan Givens, Matt Benefield, Kevin Jones, Tim Sparks, Jeff Williams, and Billy Dewrell served as pallbearers.
The family requests donations be made to the First Assembly of God PO Box 697 Ashland, AL 36251.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
