Vinna L. Starks, age 79, was born July 13, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio to Luleen and Owen Kelley. Vinna graduated from Dunbar High School in 1962 and attended Central State University.
"Pumpkin", as she was affectionately called by family and friends, retired from Dayton Public Schools after 30 years of service. She was a lifelong member of Ethan Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church where she was an active member until her illness limited her capabilities. Pumpkin immensely enjoyed traveling, watching college and profession basketball, and entertaining.
Preceded in death by her parents, Vinna "Pumpkin" transitioned from this life Sabbath the morning of August 12, 2023. She leaves to cherish fond memories a loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Benarvin Starks; brother-in-law: Vernon (Regina) Holman, Ritchie Gardell (Celeste) Holman, Jerome (Chubby) Holman; sisters-in-law Ethel (Donnie) Scandrick and Jackie Holman; adopted son, Tony Smith; special cousins Marsha and Bill Ragland; special friends Annette Smith, Sheila Simen, Lonnie Bynum, Frank Watkins; one aunt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special members of the Ethan Temple Church Family.
A visitation will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Ethan Temple Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4000 Shiloh Springs Street, Clayton, OH 45315.
To share a memory of Vinna "Pumpkin" or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.