Bessie Mae Sparks-Phillips, 67, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at her residence in Defiance.  
  
She was born on January 26, 1950 to Flavis and Mary (Derry) Sparks in Osceola, Arkansas. She was a former member of Rock of Ages Church of God in Defiance. Bessie enjoyed dancing, gardening, and she loved family activities and events. She was a big fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.
  
Bessie will be sadly missed by her son, John Phillips of Defiance, daughters, Karen Phillips of Toledo, Jennifer (Jeremy) Zedaker of Defiance, and Rebecca (Justin) Winters of Ft. Drum, NY, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, brothers, Emmett "Sonny" Sparks of Ocala, FL, Larry (Patricia) Sparks of Holgate, and sister, Patsy (Tom) Melhouse of Ocala, FL. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Charles Sparks, and sister, Sheena Sparks.
  
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 24, 2017 at the funeral home, with Pastor Bobby Branham officiating. Burial will  follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice Home Nurses.