Louise R. Sparks Millner Collection

Collection — Box: 1444, Folder: 021

Identifier: 2008.014

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The majority of the collection is made up of newspaper clippings (many undated) pertaining to Millner’s personal life, business and work within the community, many dealing with her second husband, Frank Sparks. Also included in the collection are the bill for Millner’s mother, Rosa R. Russell’s funeral, a business card for Francis (Frank) Sparks, the minutes of the September 10, 1985 meeting of the Cape Girardeau Business and Professional Women’s Club meeting, where Millner won the Club’s “Woman of the Year Award,” a picture of Milner accepting the award, cards congratulating Millner on her award, the program from Millner’s funeral, and a letter of condolence to her third husband, Omaha Millner

Dates

Creation: 1941-1986

Rights Statement

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical / Historical

Louise A. Russell Sparks Millner was born November 24, 1893 in St. Louis Missouri. Millner was married three times, and had one son, Robert P. Watts Jr., by her first husband. With her second husband, Frank J. Sparks, Millner opened the Sparks Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo, and later opened another funeral home in Sikeston, Mo. Millner continued running the funeral homes after her husband Frank’s death in 1956. Millner was a very active member of the community, especially working with children and educational issues. In 1985 Millner was awarded the Cape Girardeau Business and Professional Women’s Club “Woman of the Year Award” for her work within her profession and in the community. Millner died on January 16, 1986 at the age of 92. *Biographical information was obtained from materials within the collection

Extent

1 folders

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Newspaper clippings, correspondence, and other materials relating to the life of Louise R. Sparks Millner, a prominent African-American businesswoman of Southeast Missouri. Millner owned and operated the Sparks Funeral Homes of Cape Girardeau and Sikeston, Mo for 48 years, and was an active member of the community, focusing especially on the educational needs of children.