In the heart of Flowery Branch, Memorial Park South stands as a beacon of compassion and support for families navigating the difficult journey of loss. Founded by Jack and Janice Frost, the funeral home has been serving the South Hall and North Gwinnett communities since 2002. Now under the ownership of Kevin Wetzel and expertly managed by Sparks Bowers, Memorial Park South is dedicated to providing funerals, cremations, and cemetery services with unmatched care.

Memorial Park South was established to meet the growing needs of the community, ensuring that families have access to quality services during their most challenging times. With a team of 12 dedicated employees, they strive to make every service a meaningful tribute to the lives being honored.

What distinguishes Memorial Park South from other funeral homes is its spacious chapel, which comfortably accommodates over 300 guests. This large yet intimate space provides a warm setting for families to come together and celebrate their loved ones' lives. Currently undergoing renovations, the facility is being updated with fresh paint, new carpet, and modern furnishings to create an even more welcoming environment.

The cemetery spans 20 acres and offers diverse memorialization options, including ground burials, mausoleum entombments, and niches. Memorial Park South also features Georgia’s only replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tribute that reflects the community’s deep respect for honor and remembrance. Adjacent to the tomb is a military section, with statues representing each branch of service. Additionally, the cemetery includes an outdoor venue with seating and a pavilion, offering families a serene alternative for memorial services.

Sparks Bowers, who manages the facility, expresses that the most fulfilling aspect of their work is serving families. "I am a service-oriented person, and I enjoy meeting the needs of families during their time of loss," he shares. This commitment to service is evident in the personalized care each family receives, as well as in their thoughtful approach to preplanning.

Bowers emphasizes the significance of preplanning one's final wishes. "By preplanning, you alleviate the stress and take the guesswork out of what an individual would like for their final arrangements," he advises. He encourages families to communicate openly about their preferences to ensure that everyone is on the same page when the time comes.

Sparks and his family have been active members of Hopewell Baptist Church since 1998, where he serves as a Deacon and has held various leadership positions. He is also a proud member of the South Hall Rotary Club and served as its past president in 2015-2016.

Originally from Duluth, Georgia, Sparks and his family have made Hall County their home since 1991. He and his wife, Donna, a committed nurse with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, have raised two sons, Thad and Adam, who actively contribute to the community in their respective careers. The Sparks are passionate about college football and are proud, die-hard UGA fans!

Beyond his professional life, Sparks enjoys classic cars, including a restored 1971 Chevelle that holds sentimental value, having been the car he drove in high school. He and Donna cherish taking drives in the North Georgia mountains and attending car shows, finding joy in these shared experiences.