Diane Sparkman is celebrating some major milestones this year.
Sparkman, who graduated from Plant City High School in 1965, just attended her 50-year class reunion last month. Her husband, City of Plant City Commissioner Mike Sparkman, was by her side. The two met in high school and, this December, they will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
“Respect is key,” Sparkman says of her marriage. “There’s a lot of forgiveness on both sides.”
But the most important key to a successful marriage, says Sparkman, is love. And in the Sparkman family, love is never too far away nor too hard to find.
FAMILY FIRST
Sparkman was born and raised in Plant City, and so were her three children: Tom, 46; Chris, 43; and Aimee, 40.
“It’s not just another city,” says Sparkman. “You just about know everyone. It’s a nice place to raise kids. Plant City’s got the best people.”
All eight of her grandchildren have grown up in Plant City. The entire Sparkman family lives within five miles of each other in Walden Lake. At holiday dinners, which are hosted at Sparkman’s home, a group of 40 is not uncommon.
“We don’t like anyone to be by themselves on the holidays,” Sparkman says. “It’s just the love that’s there. We’re fortunate to have them all here.”
Sparkman sees her grandkids regularly.
“I just don’t want to miss anything about them,” she says.
Even with a large family to care for, Sparkman still finds time to serve in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
STRAWBERRY SERVICE
As a junior in high school, Sparkman was on the Strawberry Court at the Florida Strawberry Festival. She was also a Strawberry Court chaperone for 10 years and used to help with the Strawberry Festival Luncheon on Parade Day.
Sparkman continues to plan her years around the festival. She serves alongside her husband on the festival’s media committee. They help plan the festival’s annual media preview party, which yields between 600 and 800 guests. Her favorite part about the festival is how it unites Plant City.
“It’s amazing to see the volunteers come together with a smile,” she says. “This is all a hometown festival … everyone is so proud of our city.”
The media committee works on decorations and the party theme. It also sends the invitations.
“It’s one of the largest events,” Sparkman says. “We’ve had people coming for years.”
Sparkman’s volunteering doesn’t end with the festival. She began volunteering with different organizations when her children were in school.
She was on the original committee for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Margarita Ball and was a former chair of the Diamond & Denim Gala, a fundraising event for the South Florida Baptist Hospital. Sparkman was also the East Hillsborough County coordinator for SERVE, a program that schedules speakers at schools throughout the year.
She works in the nursery with her daughter at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, where she has been attending for 50 years.
BREAKING INTO BUSINESS
In the 80s, Sparkman and her family owned Sparky’s, a chain of convenience stores. In 1988, Sparky’s had 44 locations. Sparkman worked at the convenience store. During that time, she also worked as the secretary of chief engineering for a chemical company, a position she held until she had her first child.
The convenience stores brought the Sparkman family many travel opportunities. Sparkman has been to Russia, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and at least half a dozen other countries.
Now that her children are grown and the convenience stores have been sold, Sparkman still continues to travel. This year, she will be taking a river cruise to see tulips and windmills in Amsterdam.
When she’s not jet setting across the globe, she enjoys playing tennis, bass fishing and relaxing at the family’s Clermont lake house.
“It’s soothing and calming to look out at the water,” she says. “There’s no stress there.”
Her favorite activity, of course, is spending time with her grandchildren.
“That’s my best volunteering job,” Sparkman says. “Out of all the volunteering work, that’s the best.”
About Diane
Who is your hero?
It’s respect more than a hero. My mother lived to be 93 and taught me a love of family and to keep family close. Family is very important to me, my top priority. Also, my husband — I admire his dedication for the city and love for the city.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
We go to bed around 11 p.m., and we’re up by 6 a.m. I’m definitely a morning person.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Kind, understanding and loving.
What is the weirdest food you’ve tried?
I dislike liver, and I’m not big on caviar.
What message would you put in a fortune cookie?
Love one another. Tomorrow’s never guaranteed.
Tips for success?
• Hard work.
• Hard work (again).
• Believe in yourself.
— Emily Topper