Jean Paulette (Sparks) French

Jean was the daughter of Edith and the late Edward Sparks, and the sister of Kathy Wyrick, Teresa Kelly, and Marsha Sparks. She was the mother of Abigail and Erin French, and the grandmother of Raelynn Davis. She was the aunt of Sarah Kelly, Jared Wyrick, Chad Wyrick, and Amy Wyrick Vest, and, of course, the dog mom of Ozzie. She was also so much more to all the lives she touched along the way.

Jean was born on January 6th, 1971, in Bluefield, West Virginia. She was raised in Lashmeet, WV, and later moved to Apex, NC. She attended Matoka High, Mercer Christian Academy, and obtained both a marketing and nursing degree at Bluefield State. She later completed further studies at North Carolina State University. Jean’s passion and purpose was a caretaker to all. She started her nursing career in labor and delivery, and absolutely loved it. She appreciated the chance to connect with people and help them through such an important and difficult time, and, knowing Jean, she shared funny moments with many expecting mothers. In her last years, she was a caretaker for her mom, surely the best all-in-one daughter and nurse combo you could ask for.

From a very young age, Jean had a close relationship with God. She was never short of love to give and always knew what was most important in life: the way she made others feel in her presence. She made family members feel loved, strangers feel seen, and always preferred a good laugh, even at her own expense. She lived life one day at a time, and always looked forward to better days ahead. Her family will never forget her warm embrace and long goodbyes, and we are certain there are many others who have fond memories with her to cherish. We are happy for her next adventure in the afterlife and can’t wait to see her again.

We love you Jeannie!