Autumn Lindsey Early

Autumn Lindsey (Sparks) Early, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on April 9th, 2024, while clutching her Miraculous Medal. She was surrounded by love, familiar comforts and cherished memories in her beloved home in Leawood, KS. Autumn's devout faith, courage, and selfless attitude during her years long battle with breast cancer was an inspiration to all who knew her. Autumn epitomized the "I am Third" values of God first, others second and yourself third.

Autumn was born on February 24th, 1982, in Kirksville, MO, to proud parents Mike Sparks and Julie Smith. Her fondest childhood memories included train watching with her father, delivering May Day baskets, neighborhood night games, days at Grandma Willadene's, watching "Annie" on repeat, family vacations with her siblings, summer days with her mom at the pool and Old Settlers weekends with her grandparents. Autumn's true childhood passion was dancing with her sister and teaching dance to children. Autumn was a 2000 graduate of Kirksville High School where she enjoyed cheerleading, K-Life, making lifelong friendships, date nights and attending school dances. Her educational journey continued at Truman State University and Northwest Missouri State University, culminating in a degree in Physical Education in 2004.

On June 18th, 2005, in Kirksville, MO, Autumn was united in marriage to her soulmate Andy Early. This was a love story that began nine-years earlier when Andy asked Autumn to the 8th grade Spring Dance. Their relationship spanned 28 years and was unbreakable; anchored in unconditional love, humor, faith, and a shared adventurous spirit. Theirs was an easy love, packing in a lifetime of memories and honeymoons into 28 years.

Together, Autumn and Andy welcomed four precious children into their lives: Briley, Baylor, Finley, and Atticus, whom Autumn adored with all her heart and soul. Autumn was born to be a mom and she never let a moment go by without expressing her love, from magical Christmas mornings, to balloon filled rooms on their birthdays, to simply cuddling up on the couch. Autumn was a cautious adventurer and a memory maker who imbedded those qualities into her children. She and the kids spent their summers exploring the sights and sounds of Kansas City and beyond. Autumn loved family vacations and believed that the most valuable thing we can give our children is our time. Even in her waning weeks, she fought through exhaustion to selflessly give her children one last lifelong memory filled trip to Hawaii, soaking in every moment. Autumn felt strongly that her unwavering faith in the Lord and his plan was the most important attribute that she could pass down to her children. Autumn's love of kids extended beyond her own, as evidenced by her years of teaching at Goddard School and Awesome Kids.

Autumn is survived by her husband and children of the home, father Mike Sparks (Karen) and mother Julie Smith (Jeff) of Kirksville, MO; sister Amity Marcial (Billy) of Whitefish, MT, brother Asa Sparks (Kelsey) of Hallsville, MO, In-Law's Mike and Mary Carol Early of Kirksville, MO, Sister-In-Law's Amanda Bobzien (Todd), Allison Farwell (Andrew), Sara Sedlak (Ryan), Lissy Early (Available), Kaitlin Taylor (Zane), Caroline Brawner (Jared), and Molly Groening (Brad). Autumn was an aunt to 24 nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jerome and Marilyn VanGels and paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Deenfern Sparks.

Autumn will always be remembered for her selflessness, gentle spirit, humbleness, sense of humor, and her signature deadpan stares to show her displeasure. Autumn's spirit will forever live on in the laughter, love, and cherished memories she leaves behind. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Operation Breakthrough of Kansas City, or to a college fund established for her children in care of Cornerstone Bank, 9120 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221.

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