Rhonda Jean Heard

Mrs. Rhonda Jean Heard, 68, of Paris died Friday, May 9, 2025, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Sparks Street Church of Christ.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Sparks Street Church of Christ.

Rhonda Jean Sparks Heard was born on January 20, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Rosea Sparks and Clarence Eugene Sparks III. On May 9, 2025, she transitioned peacefully, becoming one with the ancestors and leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and grace.

In August 1996, Rhonda married the love of her life—who she often referred to as “my husband”—Vernod Heard. Together, they shared a loving partnership that spanned 40 years.

Rhonda attended St. Louis Public Schools and eventually dedicated her life to caregiving. Her deep compassion and unwavering spirit were a comfort and blessing to all those in her care. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she lovingly served the elderly in nursing homes across the St. Louis area before relocating to Paris, Tennessee, in 1991, where she continued her calling with purpose. In 2006, she journeyed across the country to Seattle, Washington, where she gained even more knowledge and experience in the caregiving world.

Rhonda was no stranger to travel—and would often hit the highways and byways to reach her destination, no matter how far or wide. In 2018, she returned to Tennessee, where she found peace and comfort in the simplicity of small-town living, surrounded by loved ones.

Rhonda was more than a mother, sister, and caregiver—she was a storyteller. She carried the spirit of a griot—a living archive of family history, street wisdom, and survival. Her stories, often rich with grit, humor, and heart, painted vivid pictures of the roads she traveled. She met each trial with resilience and never stopped growing or going. Beneath it all was an innocence that hardship couldn’t steal—a purity of spirit, a fierce love, and a will to live fully. Her voice, her cadence, and her truth will echo in us forever.

Rhonda leaves behind a powerful legacy through her beloved children, Daughter: Rotosha P. Sparks (Bill Williams) of Chicago, Illinois, Grandchildren: B.J. Williams and Bhy Williams, Son: Jason Sparks of Paris, Tennessee, Grandchildren: Shontel Thompson, Janisha Sparks, Jakarra Sparks, Jamesha Sparks, and Londyn Sparks, Son: Vince Sparks (Aileen Sparks) of San Diego, California, Grandchildren: Vinnessa Sparks and V.J. Sparks, Daughter: Joyce “Joy” Sparks of Seattle, Washington, Grandchildren: Deiosha Sparks, Keiosha Sparks, Yahzarah Wilson, Knight Wilson, Lyfe Wilson, and Sheldon Gray Jr.

She is also survived by her loving siblings, Sister: Michelle Sparks of Peoria, Illinois, Brothers: Cornell Sparks of St. Louis, Missouri; Cornelius Sparks of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Gregory (Vikki) Sparks of Orange, California; and Anthony Sparks of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The matriarch of the family, Delores “Aunt LoLo” Parker of Houston, Texas, along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends will forever cherish her memory.

Rhonda will be remembered for her love, laughter, and the unique blend of street wisdom and everyday truth she brought to every conversation. It would be no surprise to hear a loved one echo her vibrant expressions—like her pointed reminder, “Right idea, wrong somebody,” or her classic reference to everyday requests: “Give me, Lend me, Let me have.” — playful phrases Rhonda made her own and passed down effortlessly.

“A great tree has fallen, but its roots still nourish the earth.” — African Proverb

Though her physical presence has departed, her strength, wisdom, and love continue to sustain and guide us.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Paris 731-642-1515