Janis Sparkman

Janis Sparkman, age 79, of Hillsboro, Alabama passed away on April 11, 2026. A celebration of Janis’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Central Park Baptist Church with Pastor Matt Haines officiating. Visitation will be from 11-12:00 noon, immediately followed by funeral services at Central Park Baptist Church. A 2:00 p.m. graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens in Cullman, Alabama. Janis was born in1946 in Cullman County, AL, to the late P.G. and Fronia Moore. In her younger years, Janis began her love of animals while spending time with her grandparents on their farm. She was an accomplished roller skater, and her dad taught her to fly fish as a young girl. At Cullman High School she was a majorette in the band. Janis was a 1970 graduate of Judson College in Marion, Alabama. A much-loved 6th grade teacher at several schools in the Decatur area, Janis retired after 40 years. She was once selected Teacher of the Year. Janis loved living on the river with her animals, water sports and boating. She was known for being able to back a boat into the water better than many men. She loved to cook and entertain, and to meet her friends and family for lunch. Her specialty dishes were requested at every family gathering throughout the year. A Baptist by faith, Janis was a long-time member of Central Park Baptist Church, where she served in many areas. These include singing in the choir, serving as Sunday School secretary, and helping with feeding breakfast to high school students on Friday mornings. Janis was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Sparkman, and her brother, Keith Moore. She is survived by her brother, Kyle Moore (Elena); stepdaughter Alice Ownby (Josiah); grandchildren Jennifer (Josh) Hamilton, Kevin (Laura) Ownby, Michelle (Chris) White; great-grandchildren Kendal, Arden, Tanner, and Talli Hamilton; Kayla, Kara, Leigha, and Livia Ownby; two great-great grandchildren; nieces Melanie Moore Abston (Randy) and Alexandra Moore Hoebee (Diederik); nephews Brian Moore (Melinda) and Stuart Moore (Johnann); ten great-nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Louise Moore, and many loving family members. The family wishes to recognize the staff at Shelton Funeral Home for the professional and compassionate way they directed this funeral. Pallbearers will be Josh Hamilton, Brian Moore, Benjamin Callahan, Kyle Moore, Kevin Ownby, and James Gay.

Janis Sparkman

December 5, 1946 - April 11, 2026