Burnestine Starks

Burnestine Starks was born March 20th, 1959 in Humphrey, Arkansas to Earl Jr and Enola Wilson. She was infinitely full of laughter and joy that was contagious to others.

Burnestine married the love of her life on November 11, 1978 to this union they were blessed to welcome three sons Rickey Jr, Avery and Richard.  She was a beautiful wife that understood the value of taking care of her family with Agape love.  A mother and pillar of the community that knew no bounds always giving from a heart of gold.

Burnestine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior very early in life. She was an anointed and ordained Missionary at Mason Temple Church of God in Christ. She always took the position of servitude in any capacity she was given. She was a devoted believer in the good fight of faith.

Burnestine received her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education from AM&N College, now known as the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Always excelling, she was chosen to represent her peers at the White House. She was the only African American certified teacher to teach at Humphrey High born in the city of Humphrey.  She was an exceptional educator for over 30 years in Dewitt and Humphrey Public Schools system. She spent the majority of her life spreading love throughout the classroom as a teacher. Being one of the favored teachers of the students, one highlight of her long and illustrative career included being elected to oversee the prom events for the students. During these years she created everlasting connections among students with a motherly love.  She was a jewel like none other; her presence will be truly missed.

Life being like a vapor, “that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) At the ripe age of 60, Missionary Burnestine Starks went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019. It’s impossible to explain in words how invaluable she was to all of us, and how she always found laughter in any situation. So this is not a good bye; however, it’s a “See You Later”.

She was preceded in death by her Mother- Enola Wilson; brothers-James Willard Wilson and Michael Earl Wilson and sister-Sharon (David) Oates.

She leaves this world to her loving family: a caring and devoted husband of 41 years, Mr. Rickey D. Starks, Sr; three sons: Rickey D.(Tamara) Starks, Jr.(Mansfield, TX), Avery(Rachele) Alexander Starks(Bentonville, AR) and Richard (Markisha) Starks;(Stuttgart, AR), 8 grandchildren and her siblings: Jo Ann(Raymon-deceased) McGregor (Pine Bluff, AR), Jo Linda (Cortez)Smith (Pine Bluff, AR), Gardenia (Herbert) Greshem(San Diego, CA), Carolyn(Cornell)Miller (Memphis, TN), Faye Wilson (Stuttgart, AR), David Wilson(Humphrey, AR), Barbara (Gary) Cornelius (Saint Cloud, MN), Cynthia Marie Wilson(Humphrey, AR), Kathy (Mavis)Williams (Pine Bluff, AR), Aunt Irma Jewel Smith(Temple Hills, MD) and Aunt Remona McNeil(Jamaica, NY), She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and cousins and friends.

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