Mary Starks

Miss Mary H. Starks, age 90, was born to Howard and Charlotte Starks of Dayton Ohio on September 28, 1923. She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age and her salvation was sealed with baptism at Saint Paul Baptist Church. She received her education in the Dayton Public School System and was a graduate of Paul L. Dunbar High School, class of 1942. She retired from Dayton Public Schools as a Food Service Specialist. After her retirement Mary resided in New Bern, North Carolina with her devoted nieces, Teresa Ellis and Jayna Ellis. Teresa took exceptional care of Aunt Mary in her last years and they shared a special bond and a special love. While living in New Bern she was a member of Dayspring Ministries under the auspices of Pastors P.O. & Barbara Rogers and an active member of the Senior Citizen's Center of New Bern.

Mary was a nurturer by nature and cared for numerous children in her lifetime. Though she never gave birth, she was blessed with "her kids" she helped to raise. She instilled in them all a love of God and family. She prayed with them daily and taught them respect for others and for themselves. She was affectionately called "Aunt Mary" by those whom she cared for. Aunt Mary was always available to listen and lend a helping hand.

Mary departed this life on Saturday March 1, 2014. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Howard Starks; mother, Charlotte Starks; brother, Granville Walton; and sisters: Alma Mitchell and Salithiel Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory five (5) generations, including: nephew, Lewis (Jane) Ellis; nieces: Harriet Parker, Charlotte (Duane) Rucker; special grand-niece, Teresa Ellis and great-niece, Jayna Ellis; special friend, Mr. Charlie Natalello, who took exceptional care in assuring Aunt Mary's safety boarding and exiting the senior bus (Senior Citizen's Center of New Bern) and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 10, 2014 at The Potter's House Dayton, 2050 Germantown Street, Dayton, Ohio 45417, where visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at Greencastle Cemetery. Arrangements by Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road.