Kathy Reynolds Jackson

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BOONE - In the early morning hours of Feb. 27, 2020, Watauga County and Boone lost one of its dearest guardians, Kathy Reynolds Jackson. 

Before her second marriage to Dr. Jim Jackson of Appalachian State University, she was known to many who worked with her at Watauga County Hospital and Watauga Medical Canter as Kathy Sparks. Kathy’s career at WMC spanned 29 years, her total nursing career over 30 years. Her children, Shannon and John Sparks, attended Hardin Park Elementary, Watauga High School and Appalachian State University. Kathy attended ASU in the 1990s through an extension program at Winston-Salem State while studying for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Laura Katherine Reynolds was born on Nov. 21, 1942 at City Hospital in Winston-Salem to proud parents Anne Siler and Frank Taylor Reynolds. She grew up in Lewisville and graduated from Southwest Forsyth High School in 1961. Kathy attended Pfeiffer College for two years before attending Forsyth Nursing School to become a registered nurse. 

Kathy married Joseph Kay Sparks Jr. of Salem County, New Jersey. She began her career as a nurse in South Jersey, close to Jody’s parents, Joe and Gladys Sparks. A year after giving birth to her daughter, Laura Shannon Sparks, the growing family moved to Foscoe, where Kathy’s father Frank’s company, The L.A. Reynolds Company, was developing Sleepy Hollow. After their first year living in Foscoe, Kathy gave birth to her son, John Preston Sparks.

Kathy became a single mother in 1976. She moved her two young children to Boone to live closer to the hospital. Her dedication to her patients and teammates at WMC is well known in her community. Kathy worked in obstetrics from 1976 to 1985. She served as OB supervisor, house supervisor and patient educator. Kathy earned her bachelor of science in nursing in 1998 from Winston-Salem State University. In addition, Kathy earned several certifications through her work as patient educator, she was most proud of becoming a certified diabetes educator. Kathy retired from WMC in 2003. 

Kathy was committed to her faith and to her love of singing. She was an active member of Boone United Methodist Church and its choir, where she sang for almost 40 years. Kathy joined The Appalachian Chorale in its second season in 1979. She continued performing through 2015.

In February 2015, Kathy was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. She happily moved to Appalachian Brian Estates in May 2015. Kathy and her family are grateful for the care of the special people at Brian Estates and Appalachian Home Care. Kathy peacefully closed her eyes to rest in her home surrounded by her son, John, dear family friend, Sarah Lynn Shockley and her caregivers, Lisa and Evelyn. 

Kathy is survived by her children; her brother, Richard Maxwell Reynolds and his children, Jason Reynolds and Adrianne Meyers and their families; her Reynolds and Siler cousins, nieces, nephews; and the many children of the Boone and Watauga County communities whom she helped to bring into the world in her role as a nurse. 

Kathy’s celebration of life took place on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Boone United Methodist Church. A reception followed at the church. 

Condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Jackson family.