Joreta Ray Sparkman, 93, passed away in Ennis, Texas on February 22, 2026.

Joreta was born in Bristol, Texas on October 28, 1932 to Evett Eldred "Tubby" Ray and Dessie (Hall) Ray.  She grew up in Bristol and attended elementary school in Bristol and graduated from Ferris High School.  On November 11, 1949 she married Raymond E. Sparkman and they made their lifelong home in Bristol.  She worked for Huey Philip Hardware in Dallas and retired from Bank of America in Dallas.  She was a lifelong member of the Bristol First Methodist Church.

She enjoyed traveling, dancing, painting, watching birds and taking care of her two cats.

She is survived by her son Dennis Sparkman and wife Beverly and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Sparkman and her parents Tubby and Dessie Ray.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis, Texas.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm at J. E. Keever Mortuary in Ennis, Texas with Tim Sparkman officiating.

Interment will be in the Bristol Cemetery under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Pallbearers are: Bill Sommers, Austin Sommers, Charles Spurgeon, Kyle Lewis, Scott Fulton and Thomas Pieper.

The family would like to give their sincerest thanks to Legend Oaks Ennis and Bristol Hospice for the love and care that was given to Joreta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in her name to the SPCA of Dallas .

Submitted by family