Barbara Sparks, born Barbara Joiner on November 11th, 1943, died peacefully after a lengthy illness. Ms. Sparks had been active in the Lady Jammers and Golden Trumpet Social Aid and Pleasure clubs.

She was also well known in the Mardi Gras Indian community, as she was former Queen of the Black Eagles, Wild Tchoupitoulas and the Ninth Ward Hunters. She was current Queen of the Yellow Jackets Mardi Gras Indian group.

She had been honored by that community when she was inducted in the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2005, she was given the “Queens’ Choice Crystal Feather,” and in 2008 she was honored by the Mardi Gras Indian Council.

Big Queen Barbara was well-respected, admired and loved for the manner in which she mentored young women in the Mardi Gras Indian community.

Ms. Sparks was 64 years old and leaves a husband Thomas, a son, sisters, step-children and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held Saturday, July 26 at 10 a.m. with visitation at 9 a.m. at the Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip Street. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Photo courtesy of Leni Sinclair.