Lillie Marie Starkie passed away peacefully at her home in Union, New Jersey, on October 25, 2025, surrounded by the warmth and company of her loved ones.

She was born August 8, 1945, in Beaufort County, North Carolina, to Bennie Herman Starkie and Georgia Smith Starkie. Lillie was the youngest of four siblings: John, Beatrice "Bea", Otis, and Jamele Starkie. Following her father's remarriage to Mary Starkie, the family grew, and Lillie gained five additional siblings: Jack, Ralph, Tyrone, David, and Cynthia Starkie.

Growing up as a farmer's daughter in a rural community, Lillie's humble upbringing instilled in her a profound resilience and a strong work ethic that she carried throughout her life. As a young woman, she sought new opportunities and bravely followed her sister Bea to New York City shortly after her high school graduation.

After settling in Harlem, NYC, Lillie welcomed her only child, and beloved son, Gerald Starkie. She was a devoted and loving mother, teaching him the importance of hard work and financial literacy, values that laid the foundation for his career in IT.

Lillie eventually made her home in Union, New Jersey, where she became a cherished pillar of her community, building deep and lasting bonds with family, friends, and her spiritual family.

Lillie will be remembered for her immense generosity and her joyful spirit. She had a big laugh and a bigger heart. Even when she had limited resources, she always cared for the less fortunate, whether it was gathering clothes for a neighbor or offering shelter to a person in need. She also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and found simple joy in feeding birds and squirrels in her backyard.

Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She lived her simple life with a wonderful spirit! She was always curious, always learning, and had a creative spark, which she poured into her do-it-yourself projects and her cooking.

Of all her roles, she cherished being a mother most. She showered her son, Gerald, with love, but also with wisdom. She guided him with God's principles, teaching him the three pillars of her own life: work hard, help others, and love God, because she always believed God would make a way. She encouraged his dreams and stood right by his side, no matter the challenge. Her love for her son, and for her whole family, was fierce and unconditional, a constant source of support for everyone she knew.

Lillie is survived by her loving son, Gerald, who served as her primary caretaker in her final years; her mother Mary Starkie; brothers, Jack, Ralph, Tyrone, and David; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her memory is also cherished by Andora "Cookie" Starkie and Wanda Nunes, who were faithfully by her side when she needed them most, along with a host of extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

She would want us to honor her memory with that same joy, not with sorrow. Lillie truly lived the scripture found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Always be rejoicing. Pray constantly. Give thanks for everything."

Lillie's fire burned so brightly, and it warmed all of us. Now she is resting in God’s memory