Emma Sparks Olson

Emma Laverne Sparks Olson, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, at her home.

She was born Feb. 26, 1935, in Lamar, Arkansas, daughter of Thomas Frank and Augusta Theresa Christine Doerr Sparks.

Emma graduated from high school in New Madrid County, Missouri, in 1953 and from Southeast Missouri State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She then completed graduate work in special education and behavioral science at the University of California-Los Angeles. She also received a National Defense Education Act grant to do study and research at University of Illinois.

She pursued a career in teaching in Michigan, California and Illinois. After 34 years of teaching, she retired from the Wheaton (Illinois) School District. Most of her career was spent teaching disabled and behavior disorder students.

Emma was an ardent, lifelong conservative and an active member and supporter of the Republican Party.

She was confirmed as a member of First Baptist Church in 1947. In 1972, she married John Edwin Olson in Elmhurst, Illinois. He passed away May 4, 2001.

Survivors include eight nieces, Carolyn Lee of Russellville, Arkansas, Rosanna Christine Collins of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Susan Sturdy of Lamar, Sandra Kennedy of California, Janet Sparks of Evanston, Illinois, Melanie Peeler of Texas, Teresa McCulloch of Steele, Missouri, and Stacy Chandler of Idaho; and three nephews, Mackenzie McCulloch of St. Louis, Greg Happe of Arizona and Shane Scholes of California.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Velma (Bud) Farrenburg, Eileen (Mel) Happe, Christine (Bill) Fox and Pauline (Harry) Scholes; two brothers, Kermit (Polly) Sparks and Lyle Quinton (Edna) Sparks; and a nephew, Keith Sparks.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, with Chaplain J.T. Thomason officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Visiting Nurse Association Hospice at P.O. Box 768, Kennett, MO 63857.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.