Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:23

Mother Bessie M. Starkie, age 96, of Martinsville, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by the love and comfort of those who cherished her.

Bessie was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Throughout her long and blessed life, she was a woman of strength, faith, and love. Her gentle spirit and caring heart touched the lives of many, and the memories she created with her family will be treasured for generations to come.

Bessie lived her life with a quiet grace, trusting in the Lord through every season. Her faith was a source of strength, and she found comfort in knowing that God was always with her. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, her soul has found eternal rest in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.

Bessie was a faithful member of Meadowview A.M.E. Church where she served in a variety of capacities including Church Mother, a Missionary, Church Clerk, Stewardess, and a member of Sunday School. She retired from Fieldcrest Cannons after many devoted years of service. Bessie was a graduate of Henry County Training School. She attended Bluefield State College and Delaware State College.

Bessie was born in Martinsville, VA on March 3, 1930, to the late Lula Waller Penn. In addition to her mother, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Starkie; one daughter, Wanda Starkie, and two sons, Gregory Starkie and William “Bird” Starkie.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children, Gwendolyn Cheatham King and her husband, Phillip, Minister Octavia Witcher and her husband, Donnie both of Martinsville, VA, Ponjolia Starkie of the home, and Nellie Jones of Washington, NC; One son, Geoffery Starkie of Martinsville, VA; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; one sister, Hortensia Washington of Martinsville, VA; extended family, and dear friends. Her legacy of love will continue through each life she touched.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived and a soul well loved. We find comfort in God's promise that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Bessie's earthly work is finished, and she has gained her heavenly reward.

A visitation service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at Refuge Temple Ministries, 205 Clearview Dr., Martinsville with Pastor Robin Hopkins, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the home of her sister, Hortensia Washington, 154 Washington Rd., Martinsville.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.