Estelle Starks

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Estelle E. Starks, a cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother, who left this world peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on July 29, 1936, in Pulaski, Tennessee, Estelle dedicated her life to public service, spending many years as a librarian, where her love of reading blossomed into a beautiful journey of sharing knowledge and fostering a love for literature in others.

Estelle was a woman of exceptional kindness, known for her unwavering ability to find the good in every situation and treat everyone she met with warmth and respect. An avid music lover, she found joy in the rhythms of jazz and the elegance of classical music, enriching her life and the lives of those around her. In her commitment to serving her community, Estelle volunteered with the Red Cross, bringing comfort and supplies to those in need, always embodying her belief in the importance of compassion and connection.

Her family was her greatest treasure. Almost 60 years of marriage to her loving husband, Donald L. Starks Sr., defined her life, and she took immense pride in her son, Donald L. Starks Jr. (Kendera), and her grandsons, Donald L. Starks III, and Aiden Clay Starks. Estelle's love for her family was boundless, and she showered them affectionately, making every moment spent together deeply meaningful.

Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at noon, with a public gathering beginning at 11:00 AM: burial at Calvary Cemetery.

As we gather to honor Estelle's life, we invite friends and family to join us in celebrating a woman whose legacy will live on in the hearts of many. We will remember her love, her unwavering spirit of generosity, and her ability to bring light to the lives she touched. Her compassion and ability to see the beauty in others will continue to inspire us all.

Estelle was preceded in death by her parents, James and Eurie Hayes.