Mina "Tiney" Leavone Bussey Sparks Owens, 85, of Merkel passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM at North's Funeral Home located at 242 Orange Street Abilene, Texas, with a burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Stephen Joiner officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, October 11, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at North's Funeral Home. Mina was born February 24, 1939 in Fresno, CA to Irene Pearly Reed and John Lee Bussey. Mina was the 3rd child of 11 siblings. She married William D. Sparks Sr. "Sparky" on October 7, 1957 and shared 29 years of marriage together until his passing. During this time Mina was a military housewife and she and "Sparky" had 4 beautiful children together. Mina then found love again and was married on September 20, 1996 to Nelson D. Owens for 14 years until his passing. Mina graduated from ACU in 1996 with a Bachelor's Degree in social work and worked for the state of Texas as a social worker. She also owned her own business in Tye, Texas where she produced custom drapes and upholstery. Mina was a devoted member at Belmont Baptist Church and served her Lord and Savior throughout her life. In her spare time she enjoyed going cruising and playing at the casino's. She had a passion for reading and would be appeased with a good book. "Tiney" was a genuine soul that loved deeply and unconditionally and she will be greatly missed. Mina was preceded in death by both of her parents, 5 brothers and sisters, granddaughter; Mercedes Leavone Pence and two husbands; William D. Sparks Sr and Nelson D. Owens. Left to cherish her memories are her 4 children; sons, William David Sparks Jr., Jesse Lee Sparks, John Edward Sparks, daughter; Amy Leavone Sparks. 2 brothers; John and Darvin Bussey, 2 sisters; Patricia Arnold and Linda Turner. 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren. Online Condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com