Carol Ann Sparks, formerly of Carthage, Southern Pines, and Lumberton, NC, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, following a lengthy struggle with Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease.

Born in Harrisburg, IL, on January 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Emmett Moses Sparks and Theresa Reynolds Sparks.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Sandra, Thomas, and Richard, her son Timothy Lee Wilkins, grandson Ryan Emmett Shreve, and her beloved miniature Schnauzer, Hermione.  We are comforted by knowing there were deeply loved and  familiar faces to welcome her home.

Survivors include daughter, Amanda Wilkins Shreve and Windi Wilkins Shewfelt (Michael), Grandchildren Zachary Horne, Aaron Shreve, Gabriel Shewfelt and Christian Shreve,, as well as great grandchildren.

A graduate of Lumberton Senior High School and Sandhills Community College, she was born in Harrisburg, Illinois but soon was relocated to NC where she settled and raised her kids.

Carols happiest times were spent as Town Manager of Carthage, NC for many years before she retired in 2013 to move closer to her grandchildren in Virginia. She also enjoyed a career at the storied Pinehurst (Carolina Inn) Hotel  as Head of Event Planning prior to changing her career path to town administration.

A small Celebration of Life and scattering of ashes service is being planned for the Spring, at the beach, as this was her favorite Season at her favorite place.

She will be dearly missed.