Carolyn Ruth Setzer Sparks

Decatur

Carolyn Ruth Setzer Sparks, 73, died Saturday, November 29, 2014, at Decatur Morgan Hospital after a brief illness.

The longtime Decatur resident was born in Shakopee, Minnesota, on June 30, 1941. She grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, graduated from Henry Clay High School and the University of Kentucky, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She graduated in 1963, with a degree in Art Education and married Dr. Robert A. Sparks III on June 25, 1965.

A devoted and active member of the Decatur community, Carolyn served as an elder at Decatur First Presbyterian Church, helped to found PACT (Parents and Children Together), and was a member of the Decatur Junior Service League, DAR, and PEO Sisterhood. She served on the Board of Directors for Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama, where all three of her sons attended high school.

Carolyn will be remembered by her many friends for her outgoing personality, sense of humor, and devotion to her family. She enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and playing bridge, and her culinary skills made her a favorite hostess for decades. Her generous nature made her a friend for life to those who knew her.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Dr. Robert A. Sparks III, of Decatur; sons Rev. Robert A. Sparks IV, of Decatur, GA, David W. Sparks of Huntsville, AL, and William A. Sparks, of Birmingham, AL, along with three daughters-in-law and grandchildren, Cate, Robert V, and Gibson; and two brothers, William Setzer and Wendell Setzer, both of Kentucky.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Decatur First Presbyterian Church. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the visitation immediately prior to the service. Burial will take place in Lexington, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions may be made to PACT at 245 B Jackson St. SE, Decatur, AL 35601. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/decaturdaily/obituary.aspx?n=carolyn-ruth-setzer-sparks&pid=173327665#sthash.TWM00Cgi.dpuf