Obituary
Diane Averitte Sparkman

Diane Averitte Sparkman passed away on May 1, 2026, with her devoted husband by her side and her daughter's kisses in her hair. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 5, 1949, Diane was the daughter of Robert A. Averitte Jr. and Joyce McLaurin Averitte. She attended Fayetteville High School and Chowan College. While working at the NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell, she met her soulmate, Richard DeWitte Sparkman, who was singing with his folk-rock group, Rhymes With Reasons. Diane needed a ride home at the end of the week, and he was more than happy to oblige. They lived many hours apart, but in a wild stroke of luck, Richard was singing at a wedding just days later, in which Diane was a bridesmaid. It was kismet. They met in August 1971, were engaged by October, and married on January 15, 1972, beginning a partnership that spanned more than 54 joyful years. Diane was industrious and quick to volunteer her time and talents. Over the years, she worked in the respiratory therapy department at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem and with Forsyth County Schools, helping to put her husband through law school. She later worked as a legal secretary and ultimately became a North Carolina Board Certified Paralegal with the offices of Richard D. Sparkman & Associates. The role she relished most, however, was being a mother—and she excelled at it. She was full of warmth and laughter—vibrant, affectionate, and deeply good. She was a defender of human rights, with a strong sense of justice and a moral compass that pointed true north. She loved reading, especially oceanside in a rocking chair; baking lopsided cakes that tasted like heaven; laughing until she sprang a leak; and taking long walks at a pace that had everyone else jogging to keep up. She never believed herself to be anyone extraordinary, but to her family, she was everything. Diane is survived by her husband, Richard, and her daughter, Emily Dianne Sparkman, both of Holly Springs, North Carolina; four nieces, three nephews, one great-niece, three great-nephews; special cousin, Norma Jane Gray; and special sister-in-law, Donna London. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved brother, Robert Gary Averitte; and her little dog, Dexter. A memorial service will be held on May 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Guests are invited to wear an item in Diane's favorite color, red. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Transitions LifeCare. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Patricia, Pam, Hope, and Mariea of BrightStar of Cary for their attentive and compassionate care.