Melba Orsborn Sparks

Melba Jean Orsborn Sparks blessed this world when she showed up as a bundle of joy to Leola and WD Orsborn on September 5, 1945 in Fort Meyers, Florida where her dad was stationed in the Air Force. She traded the pot holes of Provencal roads for the streets of gold on July 25, 2023 surrounded by those she loved.

The sun rose and set in Melba for her mother, Leola Orsborn.  She was by her side throughout her life.  Melba was co-valedictorian of her high school class and valedictorian of her college graduation class.  She loved and was proficient at writing short hand and took dictation – up to 130 words per minute.

Freddy Sparks won her heart so they tied the knot June 16 then shared 58 years together.  She supported him with campaigns, late night trooper calls and chasing the pipeline across the country.  Melba loved Freddy with a faithful love and stood by him through thick and thin.

Melba had many jobs. She was a teacher and worked for the police jury but her favorite job was being a mother. She was very resourceful – she could repurpose anything – loved to host garage sales and sew her family’s clothes.  She helped to manage the rummage store for Provencal UPC where she was a faithful member.  She lived a simple life, often choosing the background instead of a spotlight.

She loved to laugh – church skits, funny cards and silly jokes were her favorite.  She didn’t do sappy, but appreciated humor instead.  She chose not to dwell in the negative but to find the positive in everything.  Those closest to her knew of her wit and dry sense of humor, often looking for the next bit of mischief to be played.

Melba was dedicated to her family – she loved fiercely her husband, her mother, her children and her grandchildren.  She created opportunities for the children to have fun – playing dress up, tea time, water slides, reading hour, board games, special treats and much more.  She prayed for them faithfully, instilled the foundation of godliness, and invested in their futures.

She was consistent – she did not change with the times.  She was a conservative – in all that she did, especially politics! Melba sang like an angel.  She played the piano and accordion in church.

Melba embodied hope. She instilled hope – she lived for it and she spoke it into others.  She had the hope for tomorrow– believing it would be better than today.  The hope she believed in kept her going. She lived for the day that she would see Jesus and she has.

Her father, WD Orsborn, was there to welcome her home.

To carry on her memory is her husband of 58 years, Freddy Sparks, her mother, Leola Orsborn, her daughter, Kayla Sewell (husband Dave), her son, Peyton (wife Ada), grandchildren: Ricky Brazzel (wife Meg), Kamille Sparks, Daniel Sparks, Kait Mingo (husband Jude), Nicholas Brazzel, Kensli Brazzel, and Kami Brazzel.

Family and friends will gather to honor her life at Provencal United Pentecostal Church on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The wake will begin for family at 4pm and friends will be invited to join 5pm until 9pm.  Friday visitation will be 9am and Homegoing Service will be 10am.  Officiating will be her son, Rev. Peyton Sparks and pastor, Rev. Paul Grace. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Ricky Brazzel, Daniel Sparks, Nic Brazzel, grandson-in-law, Jude Mingo, and son-in-law, Dave Sewell and nephew, Jeff Sparks.