Beatrice Sparks (1917–2012)

Beatrice Ruby Mathews Sparks was born January 15, 1917 in the small mining town of Goldberg, Idaho.
Her parents were Vivian Johns and Leonard Clarence Mathews. She was the third of five children: von, Beulah, Roma and Robert. She grew up in Logan. Later she moved to southern California where she married LaVorn Greer Sparks March 1, 1936 in Los Angeles. She was the mother of four children: Jimmy Lavonette deceased, Yvonne Suzette, LaVorn Jr. (Sparky), Cythia Sue. She has 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren whom she loves with all her heart.
She died peacefully May 25, 2012.
Bea and LaVorn moved from Los Angeles to Provo in 1964 where she continued her productive writing career. As a writer, she began by writing magazine and newspaper articles and a series of comic books in the 1940's. She then began writing books, which were mostly geared toward youth to expose the teen challenges of the day, among which are: Key to Happiness, Go Ask Alice, Jays Journal, Voices, My Friend, Annie's Baby, It happened to Nancy to name a few. Some were published in 13 languages and were best sellers. Go Ask Alice was made into a movie for TV. Others are presently under contract for movies. She wrote these books to make a difference in people's lives and she did. She received her doctorate degree as a grown woman and grandma.
She and LaVorn served an LDS Mission. She was VERY active in the community and also lectured all over the U.S. as well as in many foreign countries. She served on the BYU Library Board and was active in the LDS Church. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend. Her family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ were the most important things in her life. She enjoyed working outside in her yard and helping others and loved to walk and always kept herself in good physical shape, but she also LOVED See's Candy.
She traveled the world but her first love was The Lord, her husband, family and work. She left the world a better place than she found it and she made a real difference in many people's lives.