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Obituary for Margaret Ann Sparks Saad
Having stubbornly outlasted both knees and one hip, Margaret Ann Sparks Saad died on Thursday, May 3. The daughter of Jack and Mary Laura Sparks of Iuka, Mississippi, Margaret loved good books, Jeopardy, laughing, opera, wine in all its forms, electric blankets, butter pecan ice cream, and most of all, her family.
Born into a long line of smart, opinionated women, she attended college and served as an English tutor at Mississippi State University. There, she met a slim, dark Lebanese boy who needed a little help with his GPA. Albert Saad, with his wide smile and exuberant personality, turned out to the be love of her life.
After marrying, the couple moved to the Jackson area, where Margaret worked as a teacher and librarian. The Saads built a house, planted a big vegetable garden in the back yard, and had three mischievous daughters.
A devoted mother, Margaret spent endless hours chaperoning Girl Scout campouts, serving as a long-suffering audience member for sub-par backyard theatre productions, and giving really good neck sugars. During a particularly weak moment, she caved to whining and agreed to stop and read every Natchez Trace sign between Tupelo and Jackson. (Between reading, going to the bathroom, and “stretching our legs,” the trip took almost 8 hours.)
Margaret was a quick study and a great cook. Though she didn’t often speak Arabic, she could easily understand it. She also learned to prepare a wide variety of delicious Middle Eastern foods, from za’atar to stuffed squash to tabbouleh to grape leaves. On the weekends, she’d bake dozens of loaves of Arabic bread while listening to songs by Kenny Rogers and Nat King Cole.
In her later years, she doted on her four grandchildren, railed at politicians, and supervised spring flower planting. She also indulged her affinity for both Lay’s potato chips and Classic Coca-Cola while losing weight and refusing to allow her hair to turn gray.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Laura and Jack Sparks, and her twin sister, Mary Elizabeth Sparks Russell. She is survived by her precious husband; daughters Laura McAlpin (Josh), Nicole Bradshaw (Brian), and Grace Still (Ryan); and grandchildren Caleb, Clay, Matthew, and Owen.
The family would like to extend warm appreciation to the staff of both Baptist Medical Center and Hospice Ministries. These reassuring, caring professionals were very patient and loving with us as we said goodbye.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 7, 4-6 p.m., followed by the funeral service at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church (414 E. College St., Clinton, Mississippi). Visitation will continue on Tuesday, May 8, at 8-10 a.m., followed by the liturgy. Burial will immediately follow at Clinton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church. Attachments area
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