Support the
Dannie Sparks Endowed Scholarship
Honor Dannie Sparks
Support Students at ABAC
Dannie Sparks, Class of 1968, was an inspiration to her family and will be to many others at ABAC through this scholarship.
In 1966, at the age of 31, Mrs. Sparks began her college career when many had long finished or given up. This proud mother of four would go on to graduate with honors eventually serving as a history teacher and a Vice Principal at Tift County High School.
In 2023, the Sparks family was recognized by the ABAC Alumni Association with the Family Legacy Award for their family's commitment to attend ABAC through multiple generations. In addition to Mrs. Sparks all four of her children and many grandchildren began their college journeys at ABAC.
The Sparks family would like to continue her legacy through this scholarship.
Dannie Mac (Hart) Sparks
January 1, 1935-September 2, 2026
The first baby of 1935 in Howard County, Texas, Dannie Mac Hart was born January 1 to parents Mary Alice Bassham Hart and Homer “Hoop” Clayborn Hart in Big Springs. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Alton N. Sparks, Sr., brother Bud Hart, sister Gayle Hamby, as well as her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her four children, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild: Tanya (and Ken) Murphy, Beverly Sparks (and Allen Tibbetts), Stormy (and Wendy) Sparks, and Neta Sparks; Kris (and Melissa) Murphy, Scott (and Brandy) Murphy, Kyle (and Paola) Murphy, Lyn (and Brad) Jenkins, Mandy Roberts, Jordan (and Ginna) Sparks, Kaylyn (and Cody) Mitchell, Alyssa Sparks, and Talon Sparks; Kirsten Murphy, Hayden Murphy, Hannah Grace Murphy, Madeleine Sedowicz, Patrick Murphy, Josie Murphy, Jamie Murphy, Avery Pass, Brandon Pass, Katie Sparks, Drew Sparks, and Owen Sparks; and Lily Ann Murphy. Dannie was eagerly welcomed to Heaven by her constant furry companion, Tobi Marie Sparks.
The oldest of four, Dannie spent her childhood adoring her parents and caring for her siblings in West Texas. In high school, Dannie was a star student, multi-sport athlete, and Homecoming Queen. During her senior year, she met her soon-to-be husband—future sailor, scholar, entomologist and farmer named Alton Sparks. Married in 1953, Dannie soon began her first career as a mother of four: Tanya, Beverly, Alton Jr. “Stormy”, and Neta.
Dannie had a lifelong commitment to education. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Dannie enrolled at ABAC 18 years after her high school graduation, when her four children were of school age. She went on to graduate from Valdosta State University with her undergraduate degree in History Education, and then achieved her Masters from Georgia South Western University. After pursuing education, Dannie dedicated her career to teaching students in the Tift County Public School System. After 25 years at Tift County High School as a teacher, administrator, and coach, affectionately known as “Mama Sparks,” Dannie retired only to begin her third and fourth careers, that of a peach farmer and grandmother.
For the rest of her years, Dannie cared deeply and sincerely for everything and everyone around her; from cuddling grandkids to cutting the grass and from chopping on the Braves to cheering on The Dawgs, Dannie did it all with love in her heart and a twinkle in her eye.
Recognized by the college in 2023, Dannie Sparks is the matriarch of an ABAC Legacy Family. The Dannie Sparks Endowment Scholarship annually awards non-traditional students, just like she was. In lieu of flowers, the Sparks family encourages donations be made to the Dannie Sparks Endowment Scholarship in dedication to her.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, September 11 at 2:00 pm at the ABAC Chapel, with a reception to follow at Tift Hall.