Patsy Mason Sparkman

Surrounded by her family, Patsy Delores Devine Mason Sparkman, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, shed her earthly coat and was lifted on angels’ wings to a new life, free from the Parkinson’s disease she so valiantly battled for almost 10 years, to bolt, smiling, into the arms of loved ones who waited for her beyond the veil.From her birth on January 15, 1932 in Denton Texas until her death October 13, 2017 at her home in Midland, the world has seldom experienced the force of sheer beauty and will that was Patsy Sparkman. Born the last of nine girls, she came into this world an explosion of energy wrapped up in a tiny package. She always knew what she wanted in life and never shied away from whatever it took to get there. Her five foot nothing frame belied the giant she truly was. Ferocious in battle, those who knew her best pitied her opponents. Patsy Sparkman was a winner; always a winner, and always majestic.At the age of 18, Patsy married her one true love, Wallace Sparkman, and together they traversed the world through the thrills and trials of life for more than 67 years. During that time they raised two fine children, René Sparkman Pipes and Scott Wallace Sparkman, and later welcomed Tommy Pipes and Stephanie Prescott Bouchér into their fold. Like all good marriages, theirs was not perfect – but it was, every bit, passionate and memorable and she left this earth with her hand in his.While countless organizations in Denton, Corpus Christi and Midland benefited, for decades, from her extraordinary fundraising skills, evidence of Patsy’s dedication will forever be seen in the form of bronze statues – the Christopher Columbus statue at the Port of Corpus Christi and the statue of Christ, overlooking the Bay of Corpus Christi at the First Methodist Church on Ocean Drive. Her fingerprints can also be seen on the Animal Control Board in Corpus and the Presidential Museum in Odessa, among others. But without exception, the groups that benefited most from her boundless energy were the Republican Party and the Republican Women's club over which she presided for many years.From Presidents, Governors and the peoples’ Representatives, to sales clerks, nurses and cameramen, Patsy Sparkman was known and loved as “that beautiful little lady with the big white hair.” In a world where casual attire is common, Patsy was an exemplar of fashion and fineness. Always the fairest flower of all, she lit up every room she entered with her trademark beauty and bling, and she passed from this world as she lived in it, in dignity, elegance and grace.Along with Wallace, René and Tommy and Scott and Stephanie, Patsy leaves behind her granddaughters, Lindsey (Jonathan) Pipes Smith of Leander, TX and Courtney Pipes of Frisco, TX; grandchildren by marriage, Nathan Bouchér (Emily) of Dallas, Jessica Bouchér Sparkman of Midland, TX, Heath (Suzanne) Pipes of Cypress, TX and Donny (Stacey) Pipes of Houston, great-grandchildren, Tucker, John, Mark, Elle and Ryland Matis, Nixon and Wyatt Bouchér, Avery, Alyssa and Ashley Pipes, and Kinzi and Tate Pipes and beloved poodle, Emmy Lou. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Olive Gresham Mason and John Key Mason.Patsy’s family would like to especially thank Dr. John Foster, whose fabulous care allowed our firecracker to dazzle to the end, as well as her long-time caregivers and friends, Rose, Claudia, Karen, Carmen and Lilly, and the wonderful staff of Hospice of Midland.Visitation will be held Monday, October 16, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring in Midland. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:00 am at Gribble Springs Baptist Church, 6933 FM 2164 in Sanger, TX (10 miles north of Denton).In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Hospice of Midland or Parkinson’s disease research.,