Norma Lee Sparkman Ware passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 19th, 2026, just ten days before her 106th birthday.

Norma was born to Virgil H. Sparkman and Maggie Louise Noble Sparkman on January 29, 1920, in Goss, Louisiana. She grew up in Atlanta, Texas, and had many stories she loved to share about her time on her family’s farm. She graduated from Atlanta High School in May 23, 1938. She attended beauty school in Dallas in 1940 where she received her cosmetology license. She married George E. “Buster” Ware in Atlanta, Texas, on October 12, 1941. She was married to Buster and was a devoted homemaker for almost 40 years before his death in 1980.

She was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas. When she could no longer see to read her Bible, she faithfully listened to the Bible and her Bible study lessons on cassette tape. She had a deep love for the Lord and there is no doubt she is with Him now and she can see, hear and walk again!

Norma was a true homemaker. She was named “Mommie” by her grandchildren. Besides spending time at church, she enjoyed cooking, washing, sewing and cleaning. She loved to cook for her family and passed down many recipes to her children and grandchildren. When she was younger, she also sewed some of her clothes and some for her grandchildren. She was an incredible daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved The Lord!

Over the decades, Norma made a profound impact on the lives of many around her. She spent countless joyful hours surrounded by her loved ones, creating lasting memories that would be cherished through generations. Her legacy of love will be carried on by her surviving family members, which include her daughter, Cookie Ware Gauntt; her son, George E. Ware, Jr.; her grandchildren: Dana Jennings and husband Troy, Michele Dotson and husband Jake, Shawn Ware and wife Tammy, Michael Shankle and wife Kelli; and her great-grandchildren: Michael Shankle, Jr., Jacob Dotson, Madison Dotson, Connor Ware, Shelby Shankle, and Alex Ware.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, George E. "Buster" Ware, and siblings Mary Bowen, Jewel Sparkman, and Houston Sparkman, as well as her son-in-law, Charlie Gauntt. She passed away on January 19, 2026, in Kilgore, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will endure in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life serves as a testament to the strength of familial bonds and her love for Jesus.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, and no further services are scheduled at this time.