Taken from this life too soon, Jennifer Marie (Sparhawk) Walton, 48, was the beloved wife of Benjamin Deese Walton and adoring mother of Philip Keiffer and Lily Anne Williams, Monticello and Tallahassee, Fla.
Born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Jennifer was the youngest daughter of Richard and Barbara Sparhawk, of Tallmadge, Ohio; sister to Kelly and Mark Dolan; aunt to Andrew, Audrey and Anthony, of Akron, Ohio; sister to Richard and Julie (Flynn) Sparhawk; and aunt to Isabella, William, Henry and Nathan, of Akron; daughter-in-law to Jerry and Sally Walton; sister-in-law to Jay and Katrina Walton; and aunt to Joseph and Olivia.
Always ready for a party or family gathering with her beautiful smile and a truck full of groceries, Jen leaves behind loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. Whether working, running, doing yoga, fishing, shopping or vacationing, Jennifer created warm memories that will always bring smiles to our hearts.
Jennifer attended St. Joseph’s Grade School, Cuyahoga Falls, and St. Vincent – St. Mary High School, in Akron. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Health from Ohio University and a Master’s in Public Health from University of South Florida. Jen worked as the Executive Director of the Florida Environmental Health Association and for the Florida State Health Department in Emergency Preparedness for many years, until cancer halted her career. She was loved at work too, where friends donated over 400 sick hours in the hope she could eventually return. The family is very appreciative of their support.
Beautiful inside and out, Jennifer had a magnetism that drew people of all ages to her. Her zest for life was infectious and everyone left feeling special and loved. Positive, fun, loyal, determined and most of all, kind, are just a few words that describe Jennifer. She was precious and will be missed dearly.
Thanks to all the wonderful people who supported Jennifer during this ordeal; she received countless cards, calls, visits, gifts and flowers, which brought a smile to her face and strengthened her resolve to beat cancer. Jen was a valiant warrior.
The Anointing of the Sick was administered by Msgr. O’Sullivan of Tallahassee, Fla. A private family service was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Memorials may be sent to Big Bend Hospice, 925 W. Washington St., Monticello, Fla., 32344.
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