Shirley E. Starkey (February 15, 1950 - November 11, 2026)

Shirley E. Starkey Obituary

Shirley Elaine Starkey, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 11, 2026, at the age of 76. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a family who loved her dearly, and a legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to those she held close.

Shirley was born on February 15, 1950, to Virgil and Lorene (Evans) Canon. The youngest of six children, she grew up in the Branch and Macks Creek, Missouri, area. It was here that she developed the strong family ties, lasting friendships, and deep roots in her community that remained important to her throughout her life.

On May 23, 1971, Shirley married the love of her life, Billy Jack Starkey Sr., lovingly known as Jack. Their marriage was built on love, faith, and a commitment to one another that carried them through life's joys and challenges. In March 1976, they welcomed their only son, Billy Jack Starkey Jr., who brought great happiness into their lives. Shirley and Jack shared 43 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Their love for one another was a special part of Shirley's life, and the memories they made together remained close to her heart.

Shirley's faith in God was not simply something she spoke about; it was a part of who she was. While attending Branch Assembly of God, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was filled with the Holy Ghost. From that time forward, her love for the Lord was reflected in the way she worshiped, served, and cared for others.

Church was an important part of Shirley's life. For many years, she served faithfully alongside Jack at Branch Assembly of God, teaching Sunday School, leading congregational singing, and helping wherever there was a need. She had a special love for gospel music and enjoyed using her voice to worship the Lord. That love for music also led her to serve as song leader at Camdenton First Assembly of God and the Assembly of God church in Hermitage, Missouri. Whether she was leading a congregation in worship or simply singing a familiar gospel song, music was one of the ways Shirley expressed the faith that meant so much to her.

Those who knew Shirley also knew what a wonderful cook and baker she was. She had a gift for making delicious food, and she enjoyed sharing it with the people she loved. For Shirley, cooking was more than preparing a meal. It was one of the ways she showed how much she cared. Family gatherings, holiday meals, favorite dishes, and time spent around the table created memories that her loved ones will carry with them for years to come. The food she prepared was always special, but the love behind it was what made it truly memorable.

Of all the things that mattered to Shirley, her family was at the very center of her heart. She dearly loved her husband, Jack, and treasured the life they built together. She was a loving and devoted mother to her son, Billy, and welcomed her daughter-in-law, Julie, into her heart and family. Her grandchildren, Briana and Connor, brought her great joy and held a special place in her life. She loved her family deeply, and that love was evident in the many ways she cared for them throughout the years.

Shirley also treasured the relationships she shared with her brothers, sisters, extended family, and friends. Having grown up as the youngest of six children, family had always been an important part of her world. The bonds formed over a lifetime, the stories shared, the laughter, and the memories made together were all part of the life she cherished.

Like everyone, Shirley experienced both joyful seasons and difficult ones. Through it all, her faith remained an important part of her life, and her love for her family never wavered. She leaves behind more than memories of the things she did. She leaves the example of a woman who loved her family, loved her church, loved to worship, and found joy in doing things for the people who mattered most to her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Billy Jack Starkey Sr.; her parents, Virgil and Lorene Canon; her brother, Clifford Canon; and her sisters, Clarice Charlton and Leota Willis.

She is survived by her son, Billy Jack Starkey Jr., and daughter-in-law, Julie Starkey, of Linn Creek, Missouri; her beloved grandchildren, Briana and Connor, also of Linn Creek, Missouri; her brother, Tom Canon, and his wife, Mary, of Sedalia, Missouri; her sister, Patricia Willis, of Macks Creek, Missouri; and her sister-in-law, Ada Canon, of Macks Creek, Missouri; along with many extended family members and friends who will lovingly remember her.

As her family and friends reflect on Shirley's life, they will remember the sound of her singing, the wonderful meals she prepared, her love for her family, and the many ways she made those around her feel cared for. They will remember the years she spent serving the Lord and the faith that helped shape the woman they knew and loved.

Although her passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Savior in whom Shirley placed her faith. For those who share that faith, there is the blessed hope that goodbye is not forever and that one day there will be a joyful reunion in the presence of the Lord.

Shirley will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by those whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

— Psalm 116:15 (KJV)

Friends will be received from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Long Branch Assembly of God Church in Macks Creek, Missouri.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at Long Branch Assembly of God Church in Macks Creek, Missouri.

Burial will follow at Stanton Chapel Cemetery in Macks Creek, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 14384 West Highway 54, Macks Creek, MO 65786 (573) 363-5360.


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