Lillie June Starks

Lillie June O'Barr Starks of Longview, TX, passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 92. 

 June was born June 27, 1932, in Mesa, Arizona, to parents Benjamin Arthur O'Barr and Ruby Lee Horne O'Barr. 

 She is survived by her husband, William Ray Starks, of Plainview, TX; daughter, Betty Starks (Bryce Kelly) of Layton, UT; sons, Ray Starks (Lana) of Longview, TX, Jack Starks (Cheryl) of Longview, TX, Wayne Starks (Darlene) of Carrollton, TX, and Dean Starks of Dallas, TX; 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Danny O’Barr (Gretchen) of Wasilla, AK; sisters, Dixie Hawley of Buckeye, AZ and Dianna Quist (Stuart) of Mesa, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

 June is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Roy Starks; brothers, Joseph Arthur O’Barr and Donald Leroy O’Barr; and sister Jeana Lee O’Barr Smith. 

 Raised during the great depression, June learned at an early age to be industrious and help with many of the family chores. She learned to sew from her mother and many other skills that would prove useful as she raised her own family.

 She was a devoted wife and mother. Her great love was her family - they were the most important thing in her life. She spent many happy hours preparing holiday meals for her family. She dearly loved to spend time with her grandchildren, often teaching them to sew, bake, how to conduct music and very often would teach them some aspect of the gospel or about their family history.

 June was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a deep love of God and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She spent many years serving joyfully as the chorister for the local congregations and choirs wherever she lived. June’s love of music was constant throughout her life and proved to be one of her greatest comforts in the last months and days of her life.

 June began working at a young age at Valley National Bank in Mesa, AZ. After moving to Longview, Texas, she worked at Longview Bank & Trust and later at First National Bank. She went on to work at banks in Richardson, Texas and Plainview, Texas. In all, she worked as a banker for more than 60 years, finally retiring at the age of 82 years old from Happy State Bank in Plainview, Texas. 

 June will be remembered for her ready smile, mild manner and the kindness she showed to anyone who crossed her path. 

 The family will receive visitors from 6pm – 8pm on November 20, at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, TX and a funeral service to celebrate her life will be at 11:00am on November 21, at the Heritage Center, Kelsey Cemetery.