Thelma Louise Sparks Shoemake

She was born Saturday, Aug. 31, 1940, in Marlinton, the daughter of the late Jonah Roy Sparks and Letha Opal Pringle Sparks.

Thelma retired from the State of West Virginia as the office manager of the Midland Public Service District where she worked 30-plus years in this profession. She served the residents of Leadsville/Elkins diligently, always bringing professionalism and attention to detail in every area of the office operations. She was a trustworthy public servant, taking pride in being a good steward of the public resources entrusted to her.

After retirement, she cared for her late husband of 30 years, Howard Shoemake, and after his death, she enjoyed 10 more years of marriage with Hershel O’Quinn.

Thelma enjoyed cooking, knitting, watching football, listening to Conway Twitty or Elvis’ songs but her greatest love was showing hospitality to her family and friends. She opened her home freely to all who needed a place to stay or a home cooked meal. Affectionately known as “Nanny” to many because of her caring nature.

She was also active in the church during her adult years leading Sunday School and being a deacon’s wife, then a pastor’s wife. Her faith in Christ was very important to her.

Thelma was preceded in death by her first husband, Howard Shoemake, who passed away May 2000; her second husband, Hershel O’Quinn in Oct. 2016; and her four brothers, David, Sam, Roy and Carl “Chub”; and three of her sisters, Ruth, Francis and Madeline “Matt.”

Never having biological children, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, including Connie Dever and her husband, Dennis, of Dauphin Island, Alabama and Rachael Dever of Frankfort, Kentucky; and two sisters, Sue Hammons Bradford of Florida and Helen Jean Sparks Jackson of Elkins.

Visitation will be held at Randolph Funeral Home Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, from noon until 1 p.m., the funeral hour.

Rev. Jack Howell will officiate, and interment will follow in Elkins Memorial Gardens.

The Randolph Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Thelma Louise Sparks Shoemake.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.