Nancy Sparks Newman

Nancy Sparks Newman, 94, of Danville, VA, died on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in Danville, VA, on August 26, 1930, the daughter of the late Samuel Spencer Sparks and Bessie Crawford Sparks. She was a lifelong resident of Danville and she lovingly cared and supported her family.

She was happily married to the late Davis E. Newman for 74 years.

She was a graduate of Emmanuel High School in Franklin Springs, GA. She worked at the Memorial Hospital of Danville, the City of Danville, and Thompson Arthur Paving Company, before retiring to care for her family, full time. Her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she served Him faithfully all her life.

She is survived by her two daughters Trenace Newman Mantiply (David), and Laurie Newman Bailey (Dennis); five grandchildren, Samuel D. Mantiply (Leslie), Mollie Ann Mantiply, Joseph N. Mantiply (Ella), Austin D. Bailey (Rene'), and James F. Bailey (Perry); eight great grandchildren, Hope Bailey, Ella Bailey, Freeman Bailey, Royall Bailey, Jones Bailey, Katherine Mantiply, Emma Mantiply, and Lucy Mantiply; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a sister Sue Crawford Simpkins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Russell S. Sparks and Roderick T. Sparks, and sisters Barbara S. Shumate, and Phyllis S. Synan.

A graveside service will be held Sunday April 27, 2025, 2:00pm in Highland Burial Park with The Reverend Austin D. Bailey (grandson) officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, 541 Loyal St., Danville, VA, 24541.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers, Marie Deane, Marie Rudder, Olga Thorpe, Liz Haithcock, Sue Flowers, Carlene Wilson, Carolyn Perry, Staci Robinette, Tracy Tuck, and Brooke Saunders. The family also extends a special thanks to the many healthcare providers, especially Stephanie Crumpton, NP and Dr. Michael Caplan, and the staff of Commonwealth Home Health Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com. The Newman family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1121.