Merle Helen Hodges Sparkman

Merle Helen Hodges Sparkman, 84, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Edward Heriot Sparkman III, entered into eternal rest Thursday, March 19, 2015. Her Funeral Service will be held graveside Monday, March 23, 2015 in Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Street, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 47 Legare St. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Merle was born May 18, 1930 in Bainbridge, Georgia, daughter of Charles Stuart Hodges and Merle Edwards (Mrs. Edward Henry). She attended Rollins College and was co-owner of a tour management company in Charleston called Innovations, Inc. Merle was a member of the Lowcountry Garden Club. She was also a member of St. Michael's Church where she was active in the Flower Guild.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Edward, of Charleston, SC, she is survived by her daughters, Merle Sparkman Tamsberg, Mary Barnwell Rhett Sparkman, and Jane Denmark Sparkman, all of Charleston, SC, and her son, Edward "Ned" Heriot Sparkman IV (Kathy), of Marietta, GA; seven grandchildren, Anne T. Pope (Mason), Sarah S. Tamsberg, Amanda K. Sparkman, Keating L. Simons IV (Becca), Edward McC. H. Tamsberg (Charity), William T. Tamsberg, Jr. and Matthew R.H. Sparkman (Alexa); and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Flower Guild at St. Michael's Church, 71 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401 or to Kanuga Conferences, Inc., P.O. Box 250 Hendersonville, NC 28793.