Alecia Sparks Gatewood

Alecia Sparks Gatewood, 63, a cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on January 25, 2025, in Cape Coral, Florida. A resident of Cape Coral since 1992 and formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alecia was born on November 18, 1961, in Odessa, Texas, to Charles and Wynema Sparks, who preceded her in death.

Alecia was a proud Indigenous woman and a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She deeply valued her culture, carrying its traditions of strength, community, and generosity in everything she did.

Alecia dedicated her life to serving others, both in her career in hospitality and in the way she loved and cared for the people around her. She wasn’t just someone who provided service—she made an impact on every soul she encountered. She believed in the power of connection, and her love language was woven into every meal she cooked, every table she gathered people around, and every shared bite that turned strangers into family. Alecia made sure everyone she encountered knew she would take care of them. From cooking meals for those recovering or sick, to making sure those working in the restaurant business had something to eat, to simply bringing people meals or baked goods because she wanted to. To Alecia, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to nurture, to comfort, and to love. No one ever left her table hungry, in any sense of the word.

Above all else, Alecia was the best mother, raising two beautiful children, Ian and Alivia, with a love that was deep, unwavering, and boundless. She poured everything into her family, shaping their lives with her wisdom, strength, and warmth. She was their biggest supporter, their best friend, their safe place, and their guiding light. Alecia’s motherly instinct and love did not stop at her children. Over the years, she took pride in raising and taking care of the many of her children’s friends that passed through the home who were needing a safe space, warm food, and laughter.

Her love for her husband, Marc, was a testament to true, unconditional devotion. Marc knew Alecia was the one for him from their very first date; her humor, empathy, determination, generosity, and kindness. Alecia wasn’t scared of taking risks and standing out which is why she asked Marc to marry her just three months later. For over 40 years, they built a life full of love, laughter, and resilience through a foundation of true love for each other. She loved him fiercely, and they stood by each other and their children through everything. They made every moment meaningful, sharing a powerful love that lasted through decades of life’s ups and downs.

One of Alecia’s happiest places was floating in the pool, drink in hand, soaking up the sun with her family. Lazy summer months were spent doing her favorite thing in the sunshine while her and Marc’s favorite music played aloud. Those days were filled with laughter, endless stories, hugs and kisses, shared food and drinks—small moments that reflected what mattered most to her. Togetherness and joy. Quality time and connection. Making memories with the people she loved most.

Alecia led with fiery, headstrong independence and an unmistakable individuality. She lit up every room she walked into, not just with her presence but with her laughter—loud, contagious, and always shared. She loved with passion, carrying an energy that could fill even the darkest spaces with warmth and light. To know Alecia was to know what it meant to be truly loved and seen. She always shared a seat for anyone at her table, and she always made sure they knew they held space in the room along with everyone else. Alecia embodied these qualities till the very end, fighting bravely and with strength through it all. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Marc Gatewood of Cape Coral; her two beloved children, Ian Gatewood of Cape Coral and Alivia Gatewood of St. Petersburg, Florida; her loving sister, Julie Reish (Richard) of Dutchess Landing, Oklahoma; her chosen sister, Keely Armstrong of Cape Coral, Florida, who was family in every way that mattered; and her cherished cat, Winnie, who will continue to be loved and cared for by Marc in her absence. Alecia was preceded in death by her two brothers, Gregg Sparks and Terry Sparks, as well as her beloved cat, Boo, who no doubt was waiting for her, ready to curl up in her lap once again.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Alecia’s honor, with details regarding the date, time, and location to be announced. Please keep an eye out for updates on Marc, Alivia, and Ian’s Facebook pages, as well as Alecia’s own page, where the family will share further information.

Memorial contributions in Alecia’s honor will be shared at a later time.

Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and memories via the online guest book at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, has been entrusted with her final care.