Electrical Workers Minority Caucus President Emeritus Robbie Sparks died Tuesday, July 28. International President Kenneth W. Cooper issued the following statement:
“The IBEW and the entire labor movement have lost one of the great voices for workers’ justice and civil rights. Growing up in Jim Crow Georgia, Robbie Sparks joined the fight against segregation. Later, as business manager of IBEW Local 2127, she helped lead the fight for dignity and respect for all working people. As a founder and later president of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, she blazed paths of opportunity for Black, Latino, Asian, and women workers in the IBEW. Because of her hard work and leadership, the IBEW is bigger, stronger, and more rooted in every community than ever before. Our prayers go out to her family and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of IBEW activists.”
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Tributes to Sister Sparks poured in from across the IBEW and the greater labor movement on the IBEW’s Facebook page:
Further tributes can be recorded for the family at this link.
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Funeral arrangements and logistics for those wishing to attend or watch on livestream are:
Public Viewing – Friday, August 7, 2026, 4-7pm
Greater White Rock Baptist Church
2128 Tilson Road
Decatur, GA 30032
Celebration of Life – Saturday, August 8, 2026, 11am
Ebenezer Baptist Church
101 Jackson Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Viewing at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 10-10:45am
Live Stream
For those unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will be available via live stream through Ebenezer Baptist Church:
Transportation & Parking
Due to limited parking at Ebenezer Baptist Church, guests are encouraged to park at IBEW Local Union 613, where complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the church beginning at 9am on Saturday, August 8.
IBEW Local Union 613
501 Pulliam Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
Interment
Immediately following the Celebration of Life
Complimentary transportation will be provided from Ebenezer Baptist Church to the interment service and will return guests to IBEW Local Union 613 for the repast.
Repast
Following the interment, family, friends, and honored guests are invited to join the family for the repast at:
IBEW Local Union 613
501 Pulliam Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
Hotel Accommodations
For the convenience of out-of-town guests:
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 577-1234
Hotel Rate: $152 per night (August 7–9, 2026)
Parking Information
Valet parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta for $60 per night. The hotel does not offer on-site self-parking.
Guests may also park at IBEW Local Union 613, located approximately 2 miles from the hotel, and use Uber or another rideshare service to travel to and from the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
Condolences
Condolences may be sent to the family of Robbie J. Sparks at:
8320 Wilkerson Mill Road
Palmetto, GA 30268
