Wanda M (Barnes) Sparrow

Wanda M. Sparrow, aged 92, passed away peacefully Saturday April 6, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was born June 19, 1931, in Quincy, IL to Lewellyn and Emma Arnold Barnes. She first married Anthony Achilles and to this union two daughters were born and he preceded her in death. She then married Herman Sparrow in 1968, and he preceded her in death on June 1, 1998.

Wanda was born and raised in Quincy, IL.  After her marriage to Herman, who was employed by the railroad, they moved to Barry, IL to be closer to family and she resided there until his death.  She then moved to Liberty, IL until the passing of her daughter Pat and returned to Quincy, IL until her final days. Wanda was employed by The Quincy Paper Box Company from 1968 through 1990 when she retired.

Wanda had many loves in her life, she loved fishing, going to their camp every summer- spending days there enjoying family and friends and many games of Yahtzee. She loved to cook, especially her homemade noodles and pies. During the summer she loved to take vacation trips with family and taking in tour sites and visiting casinos to play the machines and the occasional game of bingo. She loved her cat, Victor and her daughter Mary’s dog, Rachel, who knew she could con Wanda out of extra bacon strips snacks. Her greatest love of all though was her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and having them around. A very loving lady, she was also a hard worker, keeping busy after her retirement and she was at times a bit feisty but her love was always great, and you could never escape a goodbye without one of her kisses. She will be truly missed by all that knew her and loved her.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Mary (Gene) Stice of Quincy, IL; her grandson, Christopher (Stephanie) Prewitt of Quincy, IL; eleven great grandchildren and fifteen great-great grandchildren; a brother, Alan Barnes of Quincy IL; sisters, Bonnie Mathes of Quincy, IL and Joanne Brown of Quincy, IL; and a niece she raised like a daughter, Judy Pierce of Maywood, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her loving parents; her loving husband, Herman; her loving daughter, Patricia Friday; two grandsons whom she loved dearly, Gaylord Wayne Friday and James Lee Prewitt; and two brothers and two sisters.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Quincy Humane Society. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.