Johnnie Edna (Bryant) Sparks, age 91, of Townsend, born December 30, 1928, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2020 at the family home.  Preceded in death by the love of her life, Granville "Leon" Sparks; and her son, Gary Leon Sparks; parents, John Andrew and Rutha Angeline (Ledbetter) Bryant; brothers and sister in law, Earl Bryant, Roy Bryant, Elmer (Zella Mae) Bryant and Richard Bryant; sisters and brothers in law, Georgia (John) Stephenson, Susie (Ray) Lawson, Leona (Leffery) Lail, Julia Mae (Homer) Burns and Juanita "Bug" (Avery) Lail.

Survivors include her daughters, Wanda (Steve) Roberts, Phyllis (Eddie) Hill, Kathy (Joe) Burns, Judy (Delbert) Kilby, daughter-in-law, Sandy Sparks, Son, David (Tammy) Sparks, 13 grandchildren, 31 great grand children ; 1 great great granddaughter and host of nieces and nephews.  Johnnie was born in Dry Valley, a CCC office building converted into a house on Sparks Lane in Cades Cove was her first home after she got married.  She finished her race here on earth in the house that her grandfather built in Dry Valley.  With great joy, she managed the Townsend School Lunchroom for 18 years where she was the school "mom" for many students.  She was a founding member of Cades Cove Preservation Association and long-time member of Caylor's Chapel Baptist Church.  She loved to cook and feed all who entered her home.  She made countless quilts and pillow quilts that she loved to give as gifts.  She leaves behind a beautiful example of life lived as a "virtuous woman" to all who knew her.  Mom's favorite Bible verse was Phil 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  She leaves this as her legacy for her family to lean on.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Townsend Elementary School, 140 Tiger Drive, Townsend TN  37882.  Funeral service will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2020 at Caylor's Chapel Baptist Church, 486 Webb Road, Townsend, Rev. Bill Dixon and Rev. Robert Burns officiating.  Graveside service and interment 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Tuckaleechee Methodist Cemetery.  Family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Caylor's Chapel Baptist Church.  Her granddaughters will honor her by carrying her to her final resting place.  Arrangements by Miller Funeral Home, Maryville (865) 982-6041, www.millerfuneralhome.org