Geneva Evelyn (Mills) Starkes, age 96, of Greenville, TX, peacefully went into the arms of her Savior on May 22, 2024. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend and was affectionately known as “Mama Gene” to all who were close to her. She was a person who loved the Lord, her family, her church, and her career as a teacher, for over 35 years.
Geneva was born on January 5, 1928 to Daisy (McClain) Mills and Oscar Mills, in Mount Pleasant, Texas.
She met the love of her life, Maurice Chappell Starkes, and they were married on April 16, 1949. Geneva and Maurice had 3 children, who loved them both dearly.
Geneva graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Business, and Master’s degree in Business, Elementary Education, and Home Economics, from East Texas State College
With a teaching career spanning over 35 years, Geneva taught school in Bailey and Greenville, Texas, where she made a tremendous impact in the lives of students. She was passionate about enabling youth, as well as adults, in obtaining skills to better themselves and their families. She received multiple awards and commendations including the “Business Teacher of the Year Award” during her years of teaching.
In her spare time, Geneva enjoyed traveling across the United States in the summer with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, puzzles, driving her Mustang, game nights with friends, singing/teaching Sunday School, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Geneva proceeds in death by her Husband of 41 years, Maurice Chappell Starkes; her mother, Daisy Margaret, Eloise (McClain) Mills; her Father, Oscar Mills; her sister, Virgie (Mills) Goodwin White and two brothers, Jody Mills and RL Mills
Geneva is survived by her sons, Vann Maurice Starkes and wife, Kathy, of Austin, TX Phillip Keith Starkes, of Greenville, TX, daughter Sheri Sue (Starkes) Ratley and husband Chris of Jonesboro, AR
Grandchildren, Michael Starkes and wife, Kate of Austin, TX; Keith Starkes and wife, Alison of Farmersville, TX; Philip Starkes of Commerce TX; Lora (Starkes) Davis and husband Dustin of Cumby, TX; Katelyn (Ratley) Paxson and husband Bryce of Jonesboro, AR; Hailey Ratley of Jonesboro, AR and Reagan Ratley of Jonesboro, AR, as well as seven precious great-grandchildren, who were loved dearly, by Geneva.
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On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, a visitation will be held at Highland Terrace Chapel at 10:00 AM, The funeral service will be held at Highland Terrace Chapel at 11:00 AM, with Rev Chris Ratley and Rev Chuck Huffman officiating. A private graveside for the family will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to the Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Geneva’s honor.
