Mary Lee (Hensley) Sparks

Mary Lee Hensley Sparks, age 83, of Flag Pond, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 24, 2025, while she was surrounded by her family. She is a daughter of the late Berry and Lula Edwards Hensley. Mary Lee was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County.

She retired from Morrill Motors after thirty-eight years of service. Mary Lee was a member of Higgins Chapel Baptist Church. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Flag Pond.

Mary Lee loved people and enjoyed making others laugh with her great sense of humor. She enjoyed listening to Bluegrass Gospel music, cooking, baking, and eating sweet treats. Mary Lee was an immaculate housekeeper.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Clarence Sparks who passed away on December 6, 2014; her infant twin sister, Hazel Lee Hensley; brother, R.L. Hensley; daughter-in-law, Lela May Mainer; son-in-law, Rick Bennett.

Mary Lee leaves behind to cherish many precious memories, her three children: Gary Mainer (Dana), Janet Campbell (Mickey), and Melinda Bennett, all of Flag Pond; grandchildren: Isaac Mainer (Laura), Alisha Mainer, Andrea Beasley (Tyler), Heather Campbell, and Jen Campbell; great grandchildren: Emerson Mainer and Novella Campbell; brother, Gerald Hensley (Dianne) of Erwin; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mary Lee’s graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 02, 2025, in the Berry Hensley Cemetery. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Mary Lee to: Higgins Chapel Baptist Church, 1096 Upper Higgins Creek Road, Flag Pond, TN 37657.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Amedisys Hospice staff for the great care given to Mary Lee and her family.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Sparks family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Sparks family. (423) 743-1380.

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