Tammy Jo Sparks

Tammy Jo Sparks, 65, of New Castle, passed away at her residence on Saturday, March 14, 2026. She was born in New Castle on September 20, 1960, to Frederick C. Ford, Jr. and Eula (Upchurch) Ford.

A 1978 graduate of Blue River High School, Tammy built a varied career that included work at Country Acre Animal Clinic, serving as a physical education teacher at Agape Learning Center, customer service at Offi-Source, and 15 years at Henry County Memorial Hospital, from which she retired. She attended Foursquare Church and later First Baptist Church in New Castle. Tammy found joy in playing volleyball and Euchre, gardening, landscaping, and going to the movies. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially caring for her grandbabies, who lovingly called her Nini.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jeff Sparks; son, Jonathan “Bradley” Sparks of New Castle; daughter, Courtney (Chris) Lacy of New Castle; grandchildren, Brody Liljedahl, Kenley and Marlee Lacy; her mother, Eula Van Note of Venice, Florida; sister, Sherri Wells of Indianapolis; brother, Frederick “Fritz” (Leah) Ford III; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donnie (Brenda) Sparks, Vanessa (Scott) Razor, Greg (Lynnda) Sparks and Richard “Scott” (Patsy) Sparks; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

In addition to her father, Tammy was preceded in death by her stepmother, Patty Ford; an infant brother; and her grandparents.