Mrs. Jessie D. Starks

Mrs. Jessie D. Starks of Tampa, FL passed away on Sunday January 22, 2023. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Chipco Street, Tampa, FL. 33605 with Pastor Leroy Vann, Officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. MASK RECOMMENDED.

Mrs. Jessie D. Starks was born May 30, 1934, in Tampa, Fl., to the union of Jeff Martin Sr., and Lula Smith who preceded her in death.   

 Jessie D. Starks attended and graduated from Don Thomson High School in 1954. She was a Majorette and a member of the Eastern Star Lodge. She attended Hillsborough Community College, graduating with an AA Degree. She was an honorary member of “Everyone’s Unique” Women’s Group.

She was an Educator teaching at Phillip Shore Elementary School, Booker T. Washington, and retired from Potter Elementary School.

A few of Mrs. Starks’ hobbies consist of having BBQ and Seafood, especially crabs, watching Tyler Perry movies, and spending time with Family.  Jessie met the Love of Her Life, Joe L. Starks, where they were married in May 1964 and enjoyed 56 wonderful years together filled with joys and memories.   

Jessie D. Starks was called home to be with the LORD at the age of 88 years.

Jessie Starks is reunited in Heaven with: her Husband, Joe L. Starks; Parents; Siblings, Jeff Martin Jr., Lula M. White, Amanda Miller, and Horace Robinson Starks; Brother-in-Law, Horace Edward Starks of Lebanon, TN; and Sister-in-Law, Frankie Ruthland Starks.  

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with: her devoted Son, Reeche Starks (Patricia); Granddaughter, Che’Nault Starks (Charly); Grandsons, Marcus Leggett Jr.(Cora), and Gerald Clark Jr. (Jasmine); Great-Grandson’s, Rhaland, XzayDhen, Zyaire, Gerald III, Amir, and Jaire; Great-Grand Daughters, Soraya, and D’Shari all of Tampa, FL.; Sister, Liona Coates; Brother In-law, Earl Starks (Johnice) of Fayetteville, NC; Sister in-law, Frances Starks of Lebanon, TN; Nieces, Erica Starke Knight, Tameika Starke Lawrence, Sharlice Starke Powell all of Fayetteville, NC., Verna Martin (Patricia) of Atlanta, GA., Khadijah (Peaches) White of Greensboro, NC., Lawanna P. James, Ondria Bryant (John), Penny White, and Sabrina Blatch (Todd) all of Tampa, FL;  Nephews, Thomas White of Greensboro, NC,  Leroy Vann Jr. (Shonda), Victor, Vincent, Vernon White, Anthony Pressley Sr., (Late), and Bernard McDuffie all of Tampa, FL; God Daughters, Cora L Rosson, and Miesia Rainey of Tampa, FL; Niece- in-law, Sheila Pressley of Tampa; and a host of Grand-Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern Owners.www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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