Anne Starkey, 84, of Florence, Alabama, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, after an extended illness. The celebration of life will be Saturday, March 15, from 11 am until 1 pm. at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama, with service following in the chapel at 1p.m. Burial will follow at Florence City Cemetery.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Starkey; parents, Floyd and Easter Jackson; brothers, Robert, Elvin, Ralph (Dovie), and Raymond Jackson; sister, Tannia (Earl) Bailes; brother-in-law, Steve Carroll; and grandson, Rivers Starkey.
Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Smith (Jeff); sons, Trey (Ashley) and Patrick Starkey; brother, Billy Jackson (Gail); sisters, Christy Carroll, Shelaine Dunn (Toby), and Bobbie Sherrill (Matthew); sisters-in-law, Suzanne Jackson and Doris Jackson; grandchildren, Sydney Hale (Jeremy), Evan and Alexander (Sadie) Smith, Briggs Starkey, Stephen and Andrew Starkey; great grandchildren, Raynn and Emberly Hale.
Anne was the 3rd child of 9 brothers and sisters in a family full of spirit, ambition, humor, and love. At 18 years old, Anne married a charming Naval Fighter Pilot, Nelson R. Starkey Jr., and embarked on a life full of adventure, service, and sacrifice. Anne fully immersed herself as an active member of the Naval Squadron Wives Group during Nelson’s 22-year Navy career. In addition to volunteering her time and service, Anne raised three children during extended yearly deployment exercises and Nelson’s service during the Vietnam War. Anne and Nelson returned home to run the family business, “Starkey’s Restaurant”, until 1978 before embarking on a political career serving District 1 in the State House of Representatives until Nelsons death in 2005. Anne will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that made every moment a special occasion. Anne always had extra chairs at the dinner table and a guest room for friends and family with no check out time. Remarkably, Anne found time to enjoy many hobbies during her life, most notably riding horses and participating in many fox hunts and steeple chases; social and competitive tennis (emphasis on competitive), and an avid card and board game enthusiast. We will all miss the best meals from the most amazing cook, the beautiful decorations during holidays, her sense of humor, and her beautiful smile.
Special thanks to the staff at Green Oaks Assisted Living, Mitchell Hollingsworth, and Sister-in-Law Gail Jackson for their loving care.
