Mary Lois Starks, affectionately known as “Punchie,” passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on June 11, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C.
Born on April 8, 1940, in Iredell County, N.C., Mary was the beloved daughter of the late William Cartell Starks and Zette Mae Reid Starks. A proud graduate of Livingston College, Mary dedicated her life to service, leadership, and community engagement.
Mary was a faithful member of Zion Wesley AME Zion Church in Troutman, N.C. She carried her faith and love for people into every aspect of her life, especially in her work and community involvement. Before retiring, she served as an assistant commissioner for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), where she made a lasting impact through her dedication and tireless advocacy.
Mary’s community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. She served as the Second Vice President of the William Major Morris Community Center, a Senior Citizens program that provides nutrition, social services, and recreation, and was a proud member of the Ebony Voices for Education and the Livingston College Alumni Chapter. Her leadership and commitment earned her numerous accolades over the years, including 1997 Woman Achiever of the Year from the YMCA, Achievement Award – National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc., Appreciation Award – Ministerial Alliance of Greater New York, Leadership Award – NYCHA Bronx South, Brooklyn East & West, Dedication and Loyal Service Award – Roosevelt House Tenant Patrol, Women’s History Month Honoree – Recognized as a “Woman of Vision and Courage,” NAACP Dedicated Service Award – NYCHA, Woman of Distinction Award – NYCHA’s Department of Equal Opportunity, Award for Service – Manhattan North Council of Presidents, Proclamation for Dedication and Service – Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and additional awards and recognitions from Councilwoman Priscilla Wooten, Congressman Ed Towns, Councilman Victor Robles, Councilman Kenneth Fisher, and many resident leaders throughout Brooklyn.
Mary found joy in traveling, bowling, and especially in giving back to the community she loved so dearly. Her warmth, humor, and devotion to family and friends will be remembered by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Starks and Oscar Starks; three sisters, Clara Connor, Margaret Feimster, and Ruby Reeves.
Mary leaves to cherish the memory of her life, a sister Dorothy Ijames; niece and primary caregiver Renee Herriott; nephew and primary caregiver Nathan Feimster; and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends.
Her legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Zion Wesley AME Zion Church, Troutman, N.C. at 12 noon. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the church, and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visit the Book of Memories for Ms. Starks at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Starks family.