Ouida Viola Starkey, 91 of Maud, AL, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of January 16, 2024.
Ouida was born on October 4,1932, to Edgar and Minnie Long. She was married to the love of her life, William (Bill) Starkey, at the age of 18, and they had five children together. She retired from Genesco in luka and continued serving her community after her retirement as a foster grandparent at Cherokee Elementary School. Ouida was a Christian and a faithful member of Maud Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Ouida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Bill” Starkey; son, Steven Starkey; granddaughter, Kristin Wilson; great-grandson, Joseph Young; six sisters; and five brothers.
She is survived by her children, Fred Starkey (Bonnie), Susan Rackley (Mike), Sandy Starkey, and Nancy Counts (late Mark); daughter-in-law, Mickey Starkey; grandchildren, Todd Rackley (Stacy), Pamela Everett, Ethan Starkey (Jeanetta), Melinda Hollander (James), Callie Ann Starkey, Denise Hodge (Brandon), Kimberly Veal (Matt), Michael Starkey (Meredith), Amy Veal, Rachel Young (Scotty), Rebekah Clark (Brad), and Sharon Campbell (Adam); twenty-five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 23, at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with family and friends officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Todd Rackley, Ethan Starkey, Michael Starkey, Mason Hollander, Miles Starkey, Reese Wilson, Jeff Martin, and Lowell Long.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers and staff at Cottage of the Shoals, where Ouida has resided for almost 16 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rutledge Salem Cemetery Fund, c/o Edith Cox, 154 County Road 144, Iuka MS, 38852.
