Margaret Lucille Sparks Kolb

Unknown - Jan 5th, 2009

Birth Date: Unknown
Death Date: Jan 5, 2009
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography: Margaret Sparks Kolb, widow of Dr. William Payton Kolb, died on January 5 in Little Rock. She was born in Newport, Tennessee on November 27th, 1920, to William Spurgeon Sparks and Ruby Waddell. Mrs. Kolb spent her formative years in Asheville, North Carolina. She finished Mars Hill College and graduated from Furman University with honors. She received her Masters Degree from the Carver School of Missions at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. After marrying Dr. Kolb in 1946, she adopted Arkansas and became very involved in the civic and religious organizations of Little Rock and the state. Her involvement in many philanthropic organizations proved her devotion in making this world a better place. She worked diligently in four medical auxiliaries on a local and state level. She was an advocate for children and was very active on the Committee to Reopen Public Schools and acted as the Chairwoman for Democrats for Rockefeller. Being in positions of leadership in the PTA and AAUW brought with it a number of honors including having the AAUW's annual scholarship named in her honor. The Pulaski Heights Elementary School PTA dedicated the "Margaret and Payton Kolb Playground" in her honor. She and her husband participated in the Arkansas State School for the Blind, served on race relations, and were honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. She was named "Mother of the Year" and the Kolb’s were named "Family of the Year." She was the first director of the Agency on Aging when it was organized. Many other boards and organizations benefitted from her participation. Mrs. Kolb continued throughout her lifetime to be active in the religious life of the community and state. She served in many areas of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, including teaching children and adults in Sunday School and leading the WMU. She held her Christian stewardship as her priority. Many adults praise her for her devotion to them when they were children. Mrs. Kolb is survived by a daughter, Salli Kolb, a granddaughter, Amanda Dees Hudson, and a great-granddaughter, Emma Hudson. Also surviving is a sister, Marie Sparks Clay of Greenville, S.C., and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, William Spurgeon Sparks, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Randy Hyde on Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. The family will receive friends in the church parlor from 11:00 -12:30. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Condolences(22)

Beth Bridger Watson

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Salli, I?m sitting here with Glen Bearden Hobbs talking about old camp friends. Your name naturally came up, and when I entered it into Google, I found this obituary for your mother and can?t tell what year it?s from. Glen and I would love to reconnect with you and trade camp stories and hear about your family. Please email me when you see this message.

Robert Scott

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Margaret Kolb was one of the most giving human beings on this earth, and she discriminated against no one. Race, color, social status, religion, age: they did not matter to Margaret in the way in which she loved people and helped people. I forever remember images of Margaret carrying a plate with a meal down a neighborhood sidewalk as she ministered to the sick, home bound, or people who just didn't have a meal. She helped me on numerous occasions when I was sick or just needed someone to talk to. She had a listening ear and was trustworthy beyond any doubt. Margaret had credentials, education, and major civic and church responsibilities but she was a person without pretension. Thank you, Margaret, for being a dear, loving friend to all.

Jim Gibbons

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the homegoing of my dear friend, Margaret. Early in my tenure as Volunteer Director at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Margaret was my auxiliary president and as precious and kind a person as I have ever met. When I think of the word "Christian," Margaret comes to mind. She was not just a Christian in name, but she truly lived her life as a humble expression of her faith. She was willing to take an unpopular stand if that was the right thing to do and I stand in awe of her courage. She and Dr. Kolb were very special people. May God grant her soul rest and comfort to all who loved her.

With thoughts and prayers,
Jim Gibbons

Melissa McMath Hatfield

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Salli, so sorry to hear about your mom. I remember what fun she was and how she loved you and your Old Sheep dogs. Tia and I are thinking of you.Melissa & Patricia McMath

Linda Bryan George

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sally,

I am so sorry for your loss. No matter your age, it is hard to loose your mother.

Thinking of you,
Linda Bryan George
LRCH '72

Jennifer (Braswell) Bevans

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Salli,

So sorry to hear about your Mother. I so wanted to be at the service, but was unable to attend. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you will give me a call when you are able so we can catch up after such a long time. I still have vivid memories of our childhood times and what a precious lady your Mom was. My number is 690-0991. Hope to hear from you soon. Jennifer

Richard Wilhelm

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mrs Kolb has been an inspiration and Christian example for many,many yeasr. Those who knew her in our youth and attended church with her and her family are blessed to have been influenced by this deeply spiritual role model. The number of people she blessed seems countless. Only 2 years ago she went out of her way to help a friend who was treated by Dr Kolb many years ago. I feel so blessed to have know her.

Ida Darragh

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As a child, I lived next door to the Kolbs for several years. She was like a second mother to me and my sister. We havent lived "next door" for 50 years now, but throughout those years she has been a friend and a symbol of motherly love in the community. I am sorry to have been out of town for the funeral, as I would have been there if possible. My condolences to Salli lou and the family.

Janet Williams

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A salute to a "hero in the faith!" Mrs. Kolb has been an inspiration to me for many years.
She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate her life and cherish your memories of her.

Clai Morehead Hall

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As you celebrate the life of Margaret Kolb please know that she touched so many lives. She and our mother, the late Elizabeth Morehead, diligently worked together to improve race relations, equal opportunity in early childhood programs, as well as in desegregation and political activities. Today, the Morehead Family is reminded of her kind, unselfish contribution to the state of Arkansas and the friendship we shared. May God continue to bless you and give you strength during this time of loss but also a time Mrs. Kolb reaps her rewards.

Jacquelyn Wage

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Margaret will be missed in church. She has been a friend for a long time and my sympathy is extended to the family. She was such a sweet lady, so friendly and understanding. She wil be missed.

Jackie Wage

Leta Strother Jones

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Although my efforts have always fallen way short, my desire was always to be like Margaret Kolb. What a strong woman, a caring and encouraging person, a faithful Christian, and a loving example for me and my family. She helped us raise our three daughters by loving them and encouraging us at every turn. Did I ever thank her for that? Probably not. But Margaret, you will be missed. Amy, Emma, and Salli I know a big hole will be felt in your lives. Our prayers and love are with you.

Leta Strother Jones

James Roger Brown

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am one of the individuals Margaret Kolb helped at a time of severe crisis in their lives. She was an excellent human agent for God. I am sorry for any pain of separation Salli and other members of her family may feel, but I am certain Margaret left now because her organizational and management skills will be needed in Heaven to deal with the next four years. God be with Salli and Pulaski Heights Baptist Church.

Larry and Jerre Toll

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

Richard Butler

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so saddened to learn of Margaret Kolb's passing. I sat with her recently at the dedication of the Central High School Visitors Center and we shared many memories of our relationships through the years and our efforts to support public education and our work in the Winthrop Rockefeller campaigns. Also, it made me sad to see no mention of the names of her predeceased children in the obituary, especially of her fine son Carl.

Ann Holt

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Margaret Kolb was a marvelous example of Christian living. As a former member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church I know she was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Robert J. Glidewell

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I would like to offer my condolonces on the passing of Mrs. Kolb. She was not only a pillar of the city but a wonderful neighbor and a neat lady. Her house in Hillcrest adjoined the playground at Pulaski Heights Elementary. No matter how many errant balls landed in her yard there were never any complaints. She always stopped to talk when she was driving by and saw me working in my yard. When she was 80 years old she took a course in Introduction to Computers to stay current with the world. On behalf of my mother, Sara F. Glidewell and I: we will miss you Mrs. Kolb.

Robert J. Glidewell
Sara F. Glidewell

Blair Graves

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Margaret Kolb (Granny) had the spirit and life force that we all search for. Anyone who knew her, knows what she did for the community. She was, as previously stated, a giant. She was equally amazing on a personal level. She talked it and walked it. Granny was a blessing for many of us. My thoughts, love, and prayers are with her, Amy, Emma, Salli and the rest of the family.

Kathie (Derden) Bailey-Todd

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Salli,

Please know that you and your girls are in our hearts. Aunt Margaret was THE epitome of a classy and graceful LADY. I always loved her. Just take it a day at a time and somehow find comfort that she is back with your daddy and gets to see Butch again as well.

Take care and know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Always,
Kathie (Derden) Bailey-Todd
(Aunt Fern's granddaughter)

Diane and J.R. Gerrald

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

When Mrs. Kolb walked into a room, her demeanor always made me smile. Her persona was always one of a strong, loving, caring individual. She stood her ground on values she considered dear to her heart and she never wavored in fighting for "the right thing to do". I personally was in awe of her. She stood for her beliefs and even made Congressmen listen and bow to her unflinching character. I'm sure Dr. K is in heaven waiting with loving arms wide open for the love of his life. We will all miss her as she never in all her years lost her zeal in working for the betterment of our state, nation, and it's people. I am so very humbled to be one of those people who called her friend. We were definitely blessed to have known and loved her.

Jennifer Frick Chupyatov

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Momma Kolb, as I have always called her, was such a dear and sweet friend. I have known her for over 37 years. We met when we both worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in 1971. She took us under her wing and took care of us just like our 2nd mother. I remember one time when I was so sick and she stayed up the entire night with me. Hence, the name, "Momma Kolb".
I feel so honored to have known such an incredible human being. I know in my heart that God placed her in my life for a reason. Because of her, I am a stronger Christian and she showed me by example what it is to be a compassionate human being. I pale by comparison, but am much richer for having known her. My heart goes out to Salli, Amy and the rest of her family and they are in my prayers. But now she is in paradise with Peyton, Butch, her mother and my mother rejoicing. God Bless you all.

Margo Jones

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mrs. Kolb, better known as Granny, was such an amazing woman I am so pleased to have known since I was young. She has touched my life in so many ways, and will be dearly missed.

My heart goes out to Amy, Emma, Salli, and the rest of the family during these times. I hope you can have the strength she had to get through the tough times and look forward to the better days.

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