Mary Ann Sparkman

Garner - Mary Ann Foster Sparkman, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Florence, Alabama, Mary Ann was raised by Emma and Frank Joseph Foster and grew up alongside six siblings. After moving to North Carolina, Mary Ann married the late Bill Sparkman and together they bought Toot-N-Tell Family Restaurant in 1966. Mary Ann and her husband kept the restaurant running smoothly along with their daughter, Donna, who continues in their stead. Toot-N-Tell used to be the only restaurant in Garner and is now one of 130; Mary Ann kept their business alive and thriving all these years even as the town of Garner changed around her. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 1st at 5:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Garner. Following the service, the family will receive friends at an informal gathering in Christian Life Center at the church until 7:30 PM. Mary Ann served on Garner’s town board for a number of years, as well as in the position of Mayor Pro Tem. She supported Garner’s sports community, feeding local players at her restaurant in addition to attending games and sponsoring teams with Bill. Mary Ann is survived by her brothers, Frank and Paul Foster; her sister, Catherine Huerta; her children, Donna Sparkman, Cindy Rice and husband Mark, and Billy Sparkman and wife Roxanne; her five grandchildren, Savanna Sparkman, Mary Anna Rice, Marissa Rice, Aiden Rice, Christian Rice; and her dog Hercules. Mary Ann was always strong-willed, independent, and a fighter. Mary Ann bravely and successfully fought pancreatic cancer for over two years before being moved to Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, NC. She fought for life. She lived every day to the fullest and worked tirelessly for the sake of the people she held dear. Mary Ann never gave up her excitement for living, and she never complained about having to work so hard. We will remember her for her tenacity and sense of humor as well as for her remarkable ability to keep on going when the going got tough. For now, the Lord has called her home, but she will be dearly missed as both an irreplaceable member of her community and a strong and compassionate mother and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary Ann’s memory.