Melinda Echols Sparks

SPARKS, MELINDA ECHOLS (1947 ~ 2021). The following is an obituary for Melinda Sparks, spouse of Sam Sparks, Senior United States District Judge. The obituary was published in the September 10, 2021 edition of the Austin American Statesman.

Melinda "Lucy" Sparks

Austin - It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Melinda "Lucy" Lorene Echols Sparks announces her passing after a battle with cancer, on September 7, 2021, at the age of 73.

Melinda passed away in Austin and will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 25 years, Judge Sam Sparks, six children: Kelly, Boo, Chris, David, Scott, Rick, and their families, along with nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, stepmother Shirley, and brother Bubba.

Melinda graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, before becoming an eighth-grade history teacher at Morning Middle School. Though she retired in 1995, she didn't slow down. She married Sam and moved to Austin where she continued serving her community as a Boutique Co-Chair of The Settlement Club — a volunteer group of women whose mission is to support The Settlement Home for abused women. She was a well-loved member of The Headliners Club along with Sam. Melinda was devoted to Sam in his life and his work, and was truly beloved at the courthouse.

Known as the feisty one in the family, she could always be counted on to liven a conversation with additions of humor and heartfelt advice. More importantly, she will be remembered most for her roles as a devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and steadfast friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill Echols and Jolene Harris Hartsfield.

The graveside service will be held at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street, Austin, TX 78702, at 11 am on Friday, September 17, 2021. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Melinda requests you make charitable donations to The Settlement Club at www.settlementhome.org/donate.