Elizabeth Ann Sparks

Elizabeth Ann Gardin Sparks, age 79 of Asheville, NC, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 after a brief illness. Ann was born in Asheville on April 22, 1937, the daughter of Roy Bergin & Edith Cairnes Gardin. Ann was a graduate of Biltmore High School where she was football queen and a member of the chorus and Beta clubs. A noted beauty, she was chosen by Antoine's Salon of NY in the early 1960's to model as the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra (shown in the photograph with a bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti). An avid reader of biographies and historical nonfiction, Ann had a breadth of knowledge and wisdom she joyfully shared with those fortunate to know her. She enjoyed music from classical to mountain bluegrass and spent many Saturday nights in downtown Asheville with family and friends square dancing at the Shindig on the Green performances held throughout the summer months. She served God through her many talents and worked for over 30 years in diamond and jewelry sales in Asheville and in Charlotte. She loved entertaining and welcomed family, friends and even strangers to her home for delicious home cooked meals. She is survived by her siblings, Judy G Needle, Tom L Gardin (Lena Jean) all of Asheville, Roger B Gardin (Carole) of Signal Mountain, TN and Abbygail Thornton (Steve) of Port Orange, FL; children, Michelle Wilson (John), Angela Taylor (Paul) and Joseph Sparks; grandchildren Nicole, Amy, Marisa, Kylie, Ryder, Carly, Harrison & Forrest; great-grandchildren Alexa and Teá; nephew Myron (Ana) with children Byron and Andrea of Asheville; nephews Brad (Michelle) with children Jonah, Ryder and Everett of Sugar Hill, GA and the late Bart Gardin (Leslie) and children Aubrey and Brett of Hixson, TN. We are very thankful for the care given to Ann while she resided at Stone Creek Health and Rehab, especially Dr Holl, Dr Shroap, nurse Sally and many other staff. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Ann's favorite organizations, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, http://www.bwar.org.