Shirlene Starkey

On Monday, March 28, 2022, Shirlene Mae Martin Starkey ran into the arms of her beloved Jesus and was reunited with her husband Jack (John) Frederick Starkey. This remarkable woman has left the inspiration of wisdom, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love given freely, qualities that grew with each year. For over 91 years, Shirlene gathered together her family, and her friends with her welcoming smile and with her infectious laughter. She spent a lifetime of making memories with those she loved performing April Fools pranks, playing games, telling jokes, and being a touch stone in time of need.

Jesus’s love shown through her eyes, and all were drawn into her presence. She was affectionately called “Pom Pom”- a nickname given by her first grandchild and adopted by all who knew her. Pom Pom was preceded in death by her father, Gottlieb S., her mother, Frieda, a sister, Carol, and a brother, Maynard. One of 13 children, she was born on August 26,1930 at home and raised on a farm in Mound City, South Dakota. Her 10 living siblings always brought into her life the love and laughter that made them a close family. Remaining here to carry on Shirlene’s memory are Betty, Jim, Dean, Bonnie, Larry, Jerry, Dave, Tom, Jackie, and Steve.

The 4 of us calling her “Mom”- John, Vikki DeSoto (Rick), Mike (Marilyn), and Jim (Pamela) -are facing a new normal without her active love infusing us daily. All 16 grandchildren had a close relationship with their “Pom Pom”: Kodiak Starkey, Blaze Starkey, Lark Starkey (Travis), Ricardo DeSoto (Amanda), A.Starkey DeSoto (Kate), Christina DeSoto McCorkle (Shane), Michael Starkey (Beverly), Rebecca Starkey Dyer (Marshall), Elizabeth Starkey Reppucci (Mike), Matt Starkey (Cristina), Sarah Starkey Felts (Chris), Kim Starkey Hart (Alex), Monterey Starkey Crass (Austin), Maverick Starkey (Laura), Stetson Starkey (Casey), Cierra Starkey Leimer (Paul).

Pom Pom’s love of life infiltrated all generations. All 25 of her great grandchildren adored her! Ranging in age from 20 years old to 3 weeks old: Kendall, Caleb, Zoe, Noah, Davis, Eliza, Joshua, Christopher, Elijah, Rachel, Jacob, Sofia, Ines, Preston, Liam, Vita, Serene, Leo, Jack, Miles, Logan, Savannah Jo, Abby, Aiden, and Xander.

After moving from place to place for the first 20 years of married life, Shirlene and Jack made Charlotte home. When she became a widow in 1991, Shirlene continued to live in the Steele Creek community for a total of 52 years. Thank you to the many, many friends over these years that have contributed to her life. We hold you all very dear to our hearts!

To her bridge club and water aerobics friends, thank you for laughing at her jokes and being such a big part of her week. She always looked forward to the time she spent with you.

To the neighbors that watched after her and stopped by to shine some joy into her day, Shirlene felt so blessed by your presence. She often would say, “God takes such good care of me!” Your outpouring of TLC was a huge blessing to her!

Shirlene was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, loved playing cards, and was always keeping her mind sharp! She was even teaching herself Spanish and how to play the piano. More than anything, she loved her Jesus, and is joyfully rejoicing with Him now.

Pom Pom enjoyed color. Please feel free to honor her vibrant life by wearing bright and happy spring colors as we rejoice with her that she is now in her forever home with Jesus.

The Celebration of Shirlene’s well-lived life will be held at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill. 15000 York Rd. Charlotte, NC 28278 Saturday, April 2nd Visitation- 3:00 Service - 4:00

Please make any memorial donations to International H.E.L.P., an organization started by her granddaughter, Monterey. International HELP works to end preventable diseases in underprivileged areas globally educating the local people on first aid, maternal health, nutrition, water, and sanitation. www.paypal.me/internationalhelp www.intnlhelp.org/donate

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Starkey family.