Martha Lee Sparks

Martha Lee Sparks "Woma", 86, Schofield passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born November 12, 1936 in Blakely, Georgia, daughter of the late Richard Louis Nash and Minnie Ethel Roney. On January 11, 1955 she married Moses Sparks in Albany, Georgia. He preceded her in death on February 27, 2020.

Our mother was hands down the most selfless person we have ever known. Her life was her family, and she dedicated every waking moment to the mission. She never had a job, never drove a car, never pursued anything that wasn't part and parcel of being a mother.  She was an amazing southern cook and her table spread was something to be seen.  You would never leave her house hungry.  Martha was a hard worker and an immaculate housekeeper. She raised 6 children, one of them severely disabled, and her only wish in life was to see them happy.  Our father's job was such that we never stayed in one place very long, every couple of years we had to pack up and move to another town. It was hard. It meant constantly leaving behind friends and everything familiar, running the social gauntlet as the new kid in school, and starting from scratch to figure out life. But as tough as it was for us kids, we can't even imagine what it must have been like for our mom.  There was never a single word of complaint from her. There was nothing but love and support and whatever we needed to be whole. Her one simple pleasure that she reserved for herself was her flower garden. Wherever we went, she brought seeds and cuttings from the last garden, and started a new one, and it always flourished. She knew exactly what each of those tiny bulbs and buds needed to thrive, and she made sure they had it. We like to think she probably looked at her children, grandchildren, and her flowers the same way...wanting only to lavish her love on them until they bloomed. Goodbye Mama, we hope you are tending your garden in heaven, or wherever it is that our path leads from this world.

Survivors include her children, Moses (Tammy) Sparks, California, Sharon (Danny) Storts, Tennessee, Susan Breese, Wausau, Ernie (Klaya) Sparks, Minnesota and Nancy (Russ) Sparks, Appleton, 11 grandchildren, Duncan and Zoey Sparks, Jennifer Joannon, Sarah (Mark) Schroeder, Jessica (Ben) Sorenson, Kevin (Daniel) Sparks, Ken Sparks, Rhiannon Rolson, Zachary Besaw, Ben (Amalia) Breese and Sam (Alyse) Breese and her great grandchildren, Jacob, Jared, Joshua, Jaden, Carly, Lily, Norah, Emmett, Addie, Skylar, Max, Oliver and Elliott. She is further survived by her siblings, Roscoe (Charlotte) Nash and Georgewall Nash, both of Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband and son, Tony she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Michael Breese and her siblings, Richard and Russell.

The family would like to thank the staff on the Palliative Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their gentle end of life care provided to Martha and the family.  A very special thank you and love also to Susan.  Susan dedicated much of her time and love caring for not only her mother, but also her Father and Brother Tony.  She kept her wish to her momma and ensured she always had a fresh bouquet of flowers.  Susan, you were a source of comfort and safety for our mother and also for all of us knowing they were so well cared for.  You are an angel.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Burial will be at a later date in Alabama. Online condolences may be expressed at www.peteresonkraemer.com