Malinda Sparrow, age 96, peacefully made her heavenly transition from this earth on Wednesday morning, January 9, 2019. She was one of twelve children born to the union of William and Marriah Clemmons.

A woman of many accomplishments, Malinda was born, educated, and bred in Berkley. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church, Berkley under Reverend Diamond. Malinda was opinionated and had a ready supply of one-liners to drop in everyday conversations.

Malinda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She married the love of her life, Alvin Sparrow, and spent many wonderful years by his side. Upon marriage, Malinda became both a wife and mother. She accepted and thrived in these roles. She served her husband and family faithfully in their home which was always in immaculate shape inside and out. After marriage, Malinda helped her husband Alvin, manage and operate Sparrows Restaurant and Lounge on the corner of South Main and Berkley Avenue.

Malinda also had a great flair for interior, floral and landscape design, creating and designing for her home and yard. She enjoyed spending time in her beautiful, landscaped grounds and lovely garden that she created. She loved flowers and they loved her, thriving under her green thumb. She had a flair for being a very sharp, and in-style dresser and having an amazing taste for clothing and outfits. Malinda was a beautiful person, she had a kind fun-loving spirit, with a warm welcoming smile. She will be truly missed and remembered by all of her family and friends.

Malinda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin Sparrow, Sr.; son, Alvin Sparrow, Jr; and two daughters, Alvon Felton and Brenda Sparrow. Malinda is survived by son, Ronnie (Anne) Sparrow; seven grandchildren, Antoine, Ronnie, Jr., Anwar, Donnell, Chevelle, Theresa, Kristina and several great-grand children. She is also survived by her sister, Altanell Olds of Virginia Beach; sister-in-law, Lola Dickerson of Norfolk; two special nieces Loretta Foster and Constance Dozier both of Norfolk; one special great niece Sherrilyn (Antonio) Hill-Norman of Norfolk; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at First Baptist Church Berkley. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 5pm until 7pm on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.