SPARKS Elizabeth (Libby) Sparks, born June 22, 1957, died at 5:19 AM, May 17, 2017 peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Ernie Sparks on September 13, 1980. She was preceded in death by parents, Robert Leonard Henson and Ruth Elizabeth (Puckett) Henson, sister Terry Lynn Rogers and brother Robert Leonard Henson.She is survived by husband Ernest (Ernie) Sparks, son Nicholas Sparks, sisters Rose (Dave) Page and Joyce (Frank) Ventola, nieces Natalie (Todd) Nance and Andrea (Ventola) Massuca, nephew David (Cindy) Page, Aunt Marilyn and many beloved cousins. Libby graduated from London High School in 1975. She earned a Master of Science Degree from The Ohio State University and became a certified nurse practitioner in 1997. She enjoyed a long service career in cardiovascular genetics. She worked at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and The John Hopkins University and Hospitals, Baltimore, Maryland. Libby was a member of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics, and served as Member at Large for the Mid Atlantic Marfan Syndrome Support Group. She received the Cheryl Gasner Spirit of Excellence Award from the Marfan Foundation in 2016. She was a Medical Honoree at the 2006 American Heart Association Annual Gala, Columbus, Ohio.In 2001, she and her colleagues identified a genetic mutation causing heritable cardiac conduction and myocardial disease in a large central Ohio family. Her research efforts turned to inherited disorders associated with aortic aneurysm, where she and her colleagues identified novel genetic mutations causing aortic aneurysm/dissection. As a clinician, she cared for adults with congenital heart disease, and for individuals and families with inherited aortic aneurysm and dissection.Libby found great fulfillment and joy in long distance running. She enjoyed sailing, reading, cooking and music. She and her son shared a fondness for long philosophical discussions, walking in City Park, New Orleans, cooking and jeopardy. Libby saw beauty and goodness everywhere.In lieu of flowers, Libby requested monetary remembrances be used to support childhood literacy, or to enrich high school math and science programs at London City Schools. Mr. Sparks will receive and disperse the funds to the school.A Memorial Celebration of Life Gala for extended family and friends will be held from 1-5 PM on Sunday, June 4th at Brennan's Loft, 158 S. Main St., Upper Level, London, Ohio. The Sparks family is being served by the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, London, where online condolences for the family may be sent to www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com. Funeral Date: 2017-06-04