Minnie B Vantrees

Minnie B (Sparks) Vantrees was born at Wynona, Oklahoma on July 16, 1923. She was the second of eleven children born to Jim and Mamie Sparks. Minnie passed away Dec. 21, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 84 years 5 months and 5 days.

Minnie grew up in the Cleveland area, attending schools in Hallett, Jennings and Terlton. Minnie was a 1942 graduate of Terlton High School. Immediately thereafter, Minnie moved to Sand Springs, Oklahoma and was employed by ìThe Cotton Millî. Minnie later enrolled at Tulsa Business School where she later graduated. Minnie also worked for Douglas Aircraft during World War II. On August 27, 1947, Minnie was united in marriage to Lester Vantrees at Reno, Nevada. Minnie and Lester made their home in the Tulsa area. Mrs. Vantrees was employed by Allee Office Machines in Tulsa at her retirement in 1988. After the death of her husband of forty two years; Minnie continued to reside in Tulsa until 2005. In 2005, Minnie moved to Cleveland where she was a resident of the Cleveland Manor Nursing Facility.

Minnie was a caregiver and generous to a fault. She and Lester provided aid and comfort to all of her siblings and many other relatives; especially to those transitioning from home and school to the working public. Although Minnie had no children she mothered many and was an example of generosity, service and work ethic.

In addition to her husband, Minnie was preceded in death by her parents and seven brothers; Orville, Clarence, Clyde, Glen, Lester, Kenneth and Dale. Survivors include her sister, Joan and Jerry Brady of Jennings, Oklahoma; two brothers, Doug and Jean Sparks and Joe Sparks all of Cleveland, Oklahoma as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Greg Sparks, Jerry Sparks, Mick Sparks, Jeff Sparks, Jerry Brady, Terry Sparks, Jim Sparks, Kenny Sparks, Kevin Sparks, Marty Sparks, Barry Sparks, Flint Sparks, Brian Sparks, Chris Sparks, Derek Sparks, Michael Sparks, Ronnie Sparks, Ray Sparks, Charles Sparks and Scott Brady.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 10:30 am in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.