Vonda Elkins Owensby, age 78, of Burnsville, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Talmadge and Cora Fox Elkins. She was also preceded in death by her son, Keith “Gummy Bear” Sparks; brother, Roger Elkins and sister, Mary Thomas. Vonda loved quilting, sewing, canning and her flower garden. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
Surviving is her children: David Sparks (Marchelle) of Marion, Naomi McDowell (Tony) of Burnsville and Tommy Sparks (Nicole) of Connlley Springs; grandchildren: Shelly Brown (Daniel), Dwayne Wilson (Tabitha), Jacob Sparks, Keisha Sparks, Coda Sparks, Jordan McDowell, Julie McDowell and Josh McDowell; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandchild; brothers: Ernest Elkins (Mildred) of Marion and Terry Elkins of Burnsville; sister, Gin Hensley (Norman) of Burnsville and daughter-in-law, Moran Sparks. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Wesley Ward and Rev. Dwayne Wilson will officiate. Private family graveside will be held. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
The family would like to say a very special thank you to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, especially to Jennifer Hopson, Jessica Burleson, Codie Berry, Mike Johnson and Andy Willis for the wonderful care given to Vonda.
