Johnnie Yancey Sparks

Johnnie Yancey Sparks was born in Muenster, Texas on May 29th, 1947, to William and Ruby (Huggins) Yancey. She passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon February 18, 2023, surrounded by family as she was taken to her heavenly home.

Johnnie grew up in Hurst, Texas with her parents and four siblings. Kenneth and Lisa Yancey, Ronnie and Diane Crowder, Bobby and Teresa Burleson, and William (Billy) and Renee Yancey. She was the oldest sibling, a loving mom like figure to her siblings, and a second mom to many. Family referred to her as “sissy”.

In Bedford, Texas Johnnie married her first husband, Donald Lee Otto, Sr., Johnnie gave birth to her first son Donald (Don) Lee Otto, Jr. on June 19th, 1964. Johnnie’s first husband passed away and she then married, Larry Wayne Sparks, Sr., and gave birth to her second son, Larry Wayne Sparks, Jr. on January 9th, 1969. Larry Sr., and Johnnie enjoyed dancing, showing horses and spending time with family on Lake Proctor. Johnnie’s savior was Jesus. She is in paradise, basking in the Love of our Lord. Johnnie was funny, quick witted, and always making a joke. Her heart was gold. She took in every stray, always helped others, and never met a stranger. Anyone that knew Johnnie, knew she was one of the strongest little ladies ever, especially since she lost her husband Larry Sr., and her son Don in 2009. She endured multiple health issues in the last 10 years and never waiver during those times. Even when her prognosis was grim, her stubbornness and love of life pulled her through. Even during the final days she fought the good fight and surprised medical staff with her level of tenacity in such a tiny body. Johnnie was happiest when she was with her grandkids, family, and catalog shopping.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her first husband Donald Otto, her parents William and Ruby Yancey, grandson Ryan Otto, nephew Tristan Yancey, her husband Larry Sparks, Sr., her son Don Otto, brother-in-law Ronnie Crowder and her younger brother Billy Yancey.

She is survived by her son Larry Wayne Sparks, Jr.

Daughter in law Tia Seibel and husband Graeme

Grandsons Robert Otto, John Otto, Lucas Sparks, Corinna Boydston, and Kendra Blakeney

Great-grandson Elliott Otto, Dakota Blakeney and Brynlee Blakeney

Johnnie will live on in our hearts forever, we will always here her say, “I love you baby”