Rita Starke

Mrs. Rita Rena Nelson Starke was born the third daughter of Geneva Nelson and Jethro Smith on November 28, 1962 in New York, New York. She entered quietly into eternal rest on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Rita was educated in the Bessemer Public School System. She attended Lawson State Community College and graduated as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) which she worked as for many years. She later relocated to Deland, Florida and managed Checkers and Subway Corporation stores. On November 6, 1998 Rita married the love of her life Willard Starke, Sr. To this union two children were born: Jaquita and Willard, Jr. Willard and Rita shared 17 years of marriage together in happiness, sickness and health. After many years of working in Florida, Rita relocated back to Bessemer, Alabama where she joined Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R.L. McAdory. Her joy was working with the youth department and helping develop programs to keep the youth engaged and growing in kingdom building. She enjoyed music, dance and softball. She will be remembered for her loving traits and outspoken personality. She was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva Nelson and Jethro Smith. She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving husband, Willard Starke, Sr.; daughters, Jaquita Starke, Bessemer, AL and Tasheldon Starke, Deland, FL; son, Willard Starke, Jr., Bessemer, AL; brothers, Earnest Nelson, Lee (Ruby) Nelson and Albert Nelson, Bessemer, AL; sisters, Rhonda Lumzy Birmingham, AL, Barbara Nelson and Gloria Nelson Bessemer, AL; aunts, Suzanna Nelson, Newborne, AL and Geraldine Witherspoon, Chicago, IL;  mother-in-law, Ruthie Starke, Deland, FL; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Thomas) Livingston, Felicia Starke and Latisha Starke, Deland, FL; two special friends, Vickie Harris, Birmingham, AL,  Bobbie Jo Knapp, Bessemer, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.