Mary Ellen Starks, 76
May 9, 1950 – September 22, 2026
Mary Ellen Starks was born on May 9, 1950, in Booneville, Mississippi, to the late Martha Bell Pierce. Her life was one marked by faith, family, friendship, service, and a joyful spirit that touched those who knew and loved her.
Mary received her education in the Booneville, MS and proudly graduated from Wick Anderson High School in 1968. Following graduation, she married Lee Earnest Starks, and together they began building a life and family.
Throughout her life, Mary was a dedicated and hardworking woman. Her employment included Blue Bell, the Baldwyn High School cafeteria, Landmark, Booneville Head Start, and Baldwyn Elementary School. Wherever she worked, Mary brought with her a strong work ethic and a genuine concern for others.
Mary’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a faithful and devoted member of Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served until her passing. She joyfully shared her gifts through several areas of ministry, including the Voices of Joy and the Booneville Missionary Choir. She also faithfully served as secretary of the Missionary.
While Mary was committed to her church and her work, some of her greatest joy was found in simply being surrounded by the people she loved. She treasured time spent with family and friends and enjoyed the fellowship, laughter, and memories they shared. Mary also loved to dance, and dancing remained one of her favorite pastimes. Her joyful spirit and love for life will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Bell Pierce; grandmother, Lee C. Simmons; husband, Lee Earnest Starks; brother, Edgar Frank Simmons; and sisters, Vera Moore, Gloria Agnew, Annie Shack, and Martha Shumpert.
Mary leaves to cherish her loving memory three children: Stephanie Stewart (Marcus) of Booneville, Mississippi; Martin Starks (LaCresha) of Baldwyn, Mississippi; and Sherea Starks of Booneville, Mississippi. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren: Tamara Price (David), Candyace Starks, Roman Starks, Consuela Starks, Josie Starks, Nehemiah Starks, Katayja Price, Shanah Murphy, and Kaleigh Murphy; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She also leaves her siblings: Lee Filona Christian of Booneville, Mississippi; Minnie Foster of Memphis, Tennessee; Thomas F. Simmons; Charlie Agnew of Booneville, Mississippi; and Willie Agnew (Antoinette) of Guntown, Mississippi; and two sisters-in-law, Brenda Simmons and Kim Starks.
Mary also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish the memories, laughter, love, and joy she shared.
Though her earthly journey has ended, the life Mary lived and the love she gave will continue to speak through the generations she leaves behind. Her faith, devotion to family, joyful spirit, and love for others have created a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
~
Visitation
Friday, September 25, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Agnew & Sons Funeral Home- Baldwyn
111 W Water St, Baldwyn, MS 38824
~
Funeral Service
Saturday, September 26, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 pm
