Mary Sparrow's Obituary
Mary Agnes English Sparrow, was the middle child born to William English and Arusha Brown English in Beaumont, Texas. She had two brothers, Vernon Ward English and Johnny English, and a half-brother, Will Coy English. Arusha passed when away when Mary Agnes was two years old. Afterwards, she lived with her maternal grandmother (Mary Brown) until she was five years old. Subsequently, was raised by Mabel and Sylvester Brown (Aunt Mabel and Unc).
Mary confessed Christ at the tender age of five, attending St. Paul AME Church. She was very active in church, especially since Unc was the Superintendent of Sunday School.
She attended Charlton Pollard High School, Beaumont, Texas and graduated in 1937. Mary continued her education, attending Prairie View College, in Prairie View, Texas. In 1941 Mary received a degree in Social Services; however, her passion was teaching. Mary followed that passion by teaching in Texas for ten years. In 1950 Mary received her Master of Social Work from Atlanta University. She continued her passion for teaching, focusing on Special Education at Donald D. Lum Elementary School and Paden Elementary School, in Alameda for 22 years.
Mary met Frazier Sparrow at Charlton Pollard High School, but didn’t begin dating until after graduating from college. While working as a teacher in San Angelo, Texas, one day she was coming out a store, and several servicemen were gathered, one walked out from the crowd and said, “Hello Mary Agnes,” and that begin their relationship. In 1953 they were married and to this union three children was born, Frazier Sparrow, Jr., Pamela Arlita and Stephen Sylvester.
Mary loved gardening and spent hours in her lovely garden. She also loved reading, attending plays, musicals, making wonderful hamburgers and delicious lemon pies. Mary had a love for people and hosted took many family members and friends in her home.
On September 10, 2022, Mary departed this life surrounded by loved ones. She will always be remembered for her big caring heart. Mary’s unconditional love will truly be missed by all. She was a giver, and Proverbs 18:16 tells us, “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Frazier Sparrow, Sr., sons Frazier Sparrow, Jr. and Steven Sparrow. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughter, Pamela Arlita Sparrow Lewis; granddaughters, Glennisha S. White, Glennielle S. White, Vernicia T. Anderson; grandson, Kenneth G. Aubrey; great-granddaughters, Arlita Bailey and Peyton Anderson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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