Kay Starks

K ay Francis Starks, 76, of Omaha, Nebraska died July 4, 2013 in Omaha.  She was born on June 27, 1937 in Sabetha, Kansas.  She was the third of four children born to Camille Thompson.

Kay was a member of Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church in Sabetha, confessing her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age.  In Omaha she was a member of Gregg Memorial A.M.E. Church and would also attend services at Allen Chapel A.M.E Church.  Kay had many interest, hobbies, and passions growing up as a child such as quilting, sewing knitting, crocheting, cooking and helping others.  Kay always credited her mother for instilling those passions.

On July 16, 1961 she was joined in marriage to Donald R. Starks Sr.  Kay and Donald had four children, Timothy Lee Thompson, Donald Raymond Starks, Jr., Carmena Camille Starks and Janet Elaine Starks.

Kay graduated from Sabetha High School.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1983.  In 1987, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Kay was a licensed social worker in the State of Nebraska for many years.  She worked many years for he Nebraska Board of Education and The Head Start Program.  She then worked for Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging before becoming the Executive Director of Southeast Nebraska Community Action Council.  She served as the Executive Director of Youth Adult & Family Services before leaving due to health concerns.

She is preceded in death by two siblings Cecil Thompson and Maxine Ballew. She is survived by her husband, Donald R. Starks, Sr.; two sons, Timothy L. Thompson (Carolyn &Nick Knosp) and Donald R. Starks, Jr. (Dr. Doris Starks); two daughters, Carmena C. Starks and Dr. Janet E. Starks; one brother, Dick Thompson (Ann); grandchildren, Cecil Starks-Blutcher, Elaine Starks, Reggineye Starks-Tullos, Mark Starks, Kay Francis Thompson and Timothy L. Thompson II; nieces; nephews; great grandchildren; cousins; D.O.C. family and host of friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 11, 2013, 5:00pm-8:00pm at Good Shepherd Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Friday, July 12, 2013 at 1:00pm following by Funeral Service at 2:00pm both at Popkess Funeral Home, 823 Virginia St., Sabetha, KS.  The interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery.