Ruth L. Sparks

Ruth L. Baxter Spark’s philosophy was “one person can make a difference.” Throughout her life she exemplified her philosophy through her personal commitment to make a difference in the many lives she touched. Born in North, South Carolina on April 22, 1939, Ruth and her twin sister, Reba Bullock, were the third birth of eight children of the late Bertha and James Baxter. On Wednesday, May 5, 2004, Ruth peacefully entered into eternal rest.Ruth began her education in the public school system, graduated from Dover High School in North, South Carolina, and continued her higher education at Molloy College in Rockville Center, New York. Ruth was married to the late Judge Ralph W. Sparks, Jr., from this union three children were born, Terry Anthony (deceased), and twins Renee and Norman.Upon moving to Long Island, New York, Ruth immediately became active in her community. She was one of the co-founders of the Concerned Parents of Baldwin School District where she served in several leadership positions. Ruth served as president of the Roosevelt Democratic Club, co-vice president of the Roosevelt/Freeport Branch of the NAACP, and was active with the Nassau County Democratic Party. She served on the Board of Educational Assistance Center for Nassau-Suffolk Counties. Ruth and her family were active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for over twenty-five years where she served in many capacities.Ruth’s political interest led to her employment as a special Assistant to U.S. congressman Edolphus Towns of the 10th Congressional District of Brooklyn, and as District Office Manager for former Assemblywoman Barbara Patton of the 18th Assembly District. She also found time to be actively involved in her husband’s successful campaign for Civil Court Judge in Brooklyn, New York.Upon the death of her husband, Ruth eventually moved to Baltimore to join her family and resided in the Morgan Park Community. She immediately became involved in the community and served as vice-president of the Morgan Park Community Association. She continued her interest in political campaigns by volunteering and holding fundraising events in her home. Ruth was also and active member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild and Events Planning Committee, and was a member of the Union of Black Episcopalians.Ruth loved people and had a extremely out-going personality that was greatly admired by many. Her family affectionately referred her to as the “diva” because of her love of fashions and her exquisite taste. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, interior decorating, gardening and especially traveling around the world with her twin sister Reba. She also enjoyed the yearly mother/daughter vacations with her sisters and nieces to Martha’s Vineyard. Ruth had a strong belief in Christ that sustained her during her illness.Ruth was the recipient of numerous awards including a New York State Assembly Citation for Volunteerism and Community Service, Nassau Democratic County Committee Community Service Award, Concerned Parents of Baldwin Community Service Award, and Woman of the Year Community Service Award from Iota Theta Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.Ruth had many interests, but her greatest joy was the love and devotion she exhibited toward her children, grandchildren, siblings and other family members and friends. She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Renee Sparks Cuffie of Baltimore; one son, Norman Van Sparks of Brooklyn, New York; one son-in-law, Michael Cuffie; one daughter-in-law, Mary Rose Sparks; four grandchildren, Iman Michele, Christina Ruth, and Michael Cuffie, and Hannah Rose Sparks; three sisters, Lillian Jones Cuffie, Reba Bullock, and Celestine Morgan of Baltimore (one sister, Myrdis Walker, preceded her in death); three brothers, Frank and Wilbur Baxter of Baltimore and Ralph Baxter of North, South Carolina; two brothers-in-law, Ronald Cuffie and Julian Morgan of Baltimore; one aunt, Mary Baxter Johnson, of Long Island City, New York; twenty-one nieces and nephews; one godson, Alfred Taylor, and many other relatives and special friends.

Tributes

Ruth L. Sparks

April 22, 1939 - May 5, 2004