An earthly angel joined the heavenly angels and our Lord and Savior when Loreva Belle Sparks passed away at the Butterfly Wing on Monday January 16, 2017. Loreva was born December 20, 1934 in Walter, Oklahoma and grew up on a farm at nearby Comanche. She graduated from Comanche High School having played the tuba in their band. She swept Nolen off his feet and they were married on Sept. 12, 1953 just prior to his senior year in college at Oklahoma A&M (now O.S.U.) Loreva worked as a waitress to help pay for his finishing college. Upon his graduation, they moved to Baton Rouge in 1955, where he began his career with Ethyl Corporation. Loreva's career was as a wife and a mother, at both she was outstanding. She was a beautiful woman both outwards and inwardly and easily attracted friends. With her quick wit and good humor, she could be "the life of the party." Loreva enjoyed cooking, reading, working puzzles, bird watching, playing games, traveling, collecting Avon bottles and loved butterflies. She particularly enjoyed family gatherings and being "Me Me "to her grandchildren. She was active in her Baptist church membership, teaching children, leading Christian Woman's groups and serving on committees. Her public prayers were inspiring. She is survived by her husband of over 63 years, Nolen; her daughter Kathy Starns; her sons Mark, Wade and John; grandchildren Lauren Rabalais, Kevin Starns, Lydia Sparks, Stephen Sparks and Kaitlin Watson; great grandchildren Easton and Bennett Sparks, Nolen Duke Starns and Autumn Jolie Watson. She is also survived by a brother Scott Butler and a sister Gail White. Loreva was preceded in death by her father Freeman Butler and mother Belle (Rather) Butler; also a brother Aaron Butler and grandson Joshua Shepard. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation which will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 6 pm- 8 pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Jefferson Baptist Church from 9 am until funeral services begin at 11 am. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. The family would like to say thank you to Hospice of Baton Rouge, especially Nita Vincent for her excellent care. Special thanks to her home caregivers Glenda Jackson and Barbara Miller. Memorial contributions may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home P.O. Box 4196 Monroe, Louisiana 71211-4196 or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Karen Butler-Christy - In Your Loving Memory for Loreva Belle Sparks an Angel on Earth & in Heaven.
Kathy - So sorry to hear of your mom's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Craig Nuckolls
.Craig Nuckolls
January 21, 2017
I light this candle in your loving memory on Earth and in Heaven. I love you Aunt Loreva Belle Sparks, May you rest in Peace.
Karen Butler-Christy
January 21, 2017
Dear Uncle Nolan, Mark, Kathy, Wade & JT:
Sorry to hear about Aunt Loreva passing. Aunt Loreva was so very blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive and loving family. She was so beautiful in life and in spirit. G_d reserved a very special place for this very special Angelic Spirit. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all very much - Karen Butler-Christy 661-942-6909
Karen Butler-Christy
January 21, 2017
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MS. LOREVA PASSING. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY AND I ENJOYED THE TIME THAT I GOT TO KNOW HER. I REMEMBER HOW SWEET AND HOW SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNEW THAT THEY WERE LOVED AND APPRECIATED. I KNOW HOW YOU FELL BECAUSE I'VE LOST MY MOTHER AND MY FATHER AND THEY ARE IN HEAVEN TOO.
MIKE WOODARD----GREENSBURG, LA.
January 20, 2017
Dear Nolan and family,
Our hearts go out to you and may the Lord keep you and bless you in this difficult time. She was truly A child of the living God and exemplified her Savior in every aspect possible. It was mine and Beverly's pleasure to be your friends.
Dr. Richard and Beverly Wallace
Richard Wallace
January 19, 2017
Mr. Nolan,
My heart break for you and your families loss, yet rejoices with you and the family in knowing she is now with Jesus...
Mrs. Lorene is a find Christian Warrior and was a Angel all her days on earth.
May God loving arms embrace you all during these hurting times..
Leo McIntyre
January 19, 2017
Loreva was a very sweet lady. Enjoyed doing things with her at Stevendale Baptist church. So sorry.
Bonnie McKinney
January 18, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Amelia Lakeman
January 18, 2017
Loreva was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to the family.
James & Linda Mehaffey
January 18, 2017
We are so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful lady. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. God Bless you and your family.
Veradelle & Lee Barrett
January 18, 2017
My condolences to Kathy Starns and all her family in the loss of Mrs. Loreva. Knowing Kathy as the kind, loving, Godly woman she is lets me know that Mrs. Loreva was a wonderful mother and woman of God. I will pray
for all of you in your loss.
Kathy Johnson
January 18, 2017
We cannot express enough the loss of such a wonderful woman, aunt, mother, sister, daughter, wife. The loss will be great and slow to heal for all who knew her.
Bill and Dianna Flynn
January 18, 2017
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