Janis Ireland Sparks of Ellijay, Georgia, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on April 23, 2023, at the age of 84. Her family is comforted knowing that she walked with Jesus and is now with her Lord and Savior.

Janis is survived by the love of her life, Philip Sparks; her children, Danny and Teresa Sparks of Ellijay, Georgia, Sandie Sparks and Jerry Seabolt of Ellijay, Georgia, Ricky and Kathy Sparks of Statesville, North Carolina, Robin and Berry Henson of Ellijay; her grandchildren, Amber Davenport, Noah Sparks, Jason Sparks, Megan Hastings, Alex Hierlmeier, and Tyler Henson; her great-grandchildren, Gabe Sparks, Ezra Sparks, Braden Davenport, Emalou Sparks, Aria Sparks, William Hierlmeier, and Caroline Henson; and her siblings, Roger Ireland of Union Grove, North Carolina, Jane Sherrill of Statesville, North Carolina, Betty Anderson of Union Grove, North Carolina, and Sue Going of Mooresville, North Carolina. Janis is predeceased by her grandson, Benjamin Sparks, and her siblings, Jack Ireland and Myles Ireland.

Janis was born in Union Grove, North Carolina, and married Philip Sparks on July 14, 1956. Philip and Janis moved around several times in order to make the family lumber business a success until they finally settled in Ellijay with Sparks Lumber Company in 1977. Janis was an expert seamstress, an amazing cook, a homemaker, she helped manage the family business, but most importantly, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Janis' friends and family will miss her dearly, but will remember her fondly and think of her every day. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00pm – 3:00pm on May 6 at Logan Funeral Home in downtown Ellijay. Janis loved all animals, especially her pets. She was known to take in any cat she saw in her neighborhood. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gilmer County Animal Shelter or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com.  Logan Funeral Home & Chapel is in charge of arrangements.