Barbara Dyal Sparks

Miles~Nobles Funeral Home announces the death of Barbara Dyal Sparks, 90, who passed away Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Appling Healthcare Systems. She was born February 11, 1924 in Baxley, Georgia and had resided here most of her life.She graduated from Appling County High School and St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. While she was receiving her training at the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing she answered the call of duty to the United States in World War II, serving as a member of the Cadet Nursing Core.Barbara had a long and prestigious career as a registered nurse. She did private duty nursing and worked in the hospital in Baxley and Hazlehurst. Dr. Ben Goldman had a hospital in Hazlehurst and would call her when he had a critical case that needed a special care nurse. He relied upon her knowledge of the medical profession and her skills as a registered nurse to give his patience the best of care.Not only was Barbara a wonderful nurse but also a wonderful teacher, she taught Medical Terminology and Nurses Aid classes for the Baxley Hospital. In the 1970's the government passed a law that all ambulance drivers and emergency personnel had to be trained as EMT. There was a great need for qualified teacher to teach these classes; Barbara resigned from the Baxley Hospital to teach Emergency Medical Technology for Appling and surrounding counties. Not only did she teach regular EMT classes but she was also called on to teach the Emergency Helicopter Crew from Fort Stewart.Barbara was a member of the Eastern Star and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.R. Sparks and her son, Kenne R. Sparks. She was the daughter of the late Napoleon V. Dyal and Alma Carter Dyal. Survivors include her two daughters, Kathryn S. Stone of Atlanta and Dyalan Randall of North Canton, Ohio; one grandson, Stephen Joel Stone, Jr. of Atlanta; one aunt, Ruby Carter Phillips and two nieces, Cynthia Richman of Augusta and Elaine and Blair Brandon of Augusta. Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 10am at Omega Cemetery with the Reverend Ronnie Rentz officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Friends and family may sign the online guest book at www.milesnobles.com. Miles~Nobles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Barbara Dyal Sparks.

Barbara Dyal Sparks

February 11, 1924 - April 19, 2014