Mildred Starks

Mildred Owens Starks was born in Navarro County, Texas on September 23, 1915 to her parents, John Thomas Dennie and Edna Rebecca Heath Dennie. She grew up in Texas and lived the majority of her life in and around the area she was born in. She was ninety years of age at the time of her death. She was one of six children: Mary Ruby Dennie Fuller, Leolan Dennie, Thurman Dennie, J. T. Dennie Ruth Smith Compton Felix A. (Buddy) Smith Throughout her life, Mildred had a strong bond with her family, and a strong belief in the family concept. She devoutly spoke of her love for her brothers and sisters, her children and her grandchildren. She was fervent in her desire to always be a part of her family, and to maintain a relationship with them. Often she would recall that when she was young, she would care for her younger brother and sister, and help her mother with baby sitting. Mildred was married to Clifford Pendleton Owens on September 17, 1932. Two children were born; Edna Pearl, born on October 17, 1933 Kenneth Lee, born on January 4, 1936 Six grand children were subsequently born to her children: Larry Jennings Jack Jennings Johnny Jennings Kenny Owens Joy Jennings Greg Owens Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Owens and by both of her children, Edna Pearl Owens Jennings and Kenneth Lee Owens; and by two of her grand children, Larry Jennings and Johnny Jennings. After the death of her husband Clifford on February 17, 1977, she later married George W. Starks on April 18, 1987. She had seven years of happiness with him until his death in December of 1994. She adopted the Starks family as her own and always felt they were a part of the family. For most of her life, she lived as a devoted Christian, dedicated to the church and with a deep appreciation for the things her church brought to her life. She developed a love for studying and following prophecy, and up until her death she followed current events and attempted to place them in Bible prophecy. This was part of her effort to do everything she could to obey the Bible teachings she had studied over the years. She was fervent in her desire to witness to others and invite them to church. She taught many Bible studies to others over the years and witnessed to almost everyone she met about the need to become a Christian and obey the teachings of the Bible. She attended the Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Mesquite, Texas for many years and although her life for Christ covered most of her life, she only had four pastors. Each pastor she had was held in the highest esteem, and she loved to hear them preach. She attended many of the General Conferences of the United Pentecostal Church International, and in 1985 she attended the International Conference held in Manila, Philippines. During this trip she also visited Hong Kong and the mainland of China. Mildred lived with her sister, Mary Ruby Fuller for several years after the death of her husbands, but she always felt the need to have her own home, and live her own life. Up until her death, she maintained her own apartment, complete with her own flower beds, plants, and her beloved bird, a canary, Pretty Bird. She occupied some of her time taking care of him and making sure her plants and flowers were watered and taken care of. She made friends with many of her neighbors, and when the opportunity was present, she always felt the need to witness to them about Jesus Christ and his salvation plan. In the very recent years, she was an ardent follower of Irvin Baxter=s radio ministry teaching about prophecy and its role in current day events. Mildred was a faithful member of her church, attending almost every service, and faithfully paying her tithing, giving in offerings and doing what ever she could to help. The last service she attended was on Wednesday night before her entering the hospital on Friday night. She enjoyed being in every service. At the time of her death she was one of the oldest members in age and tenure at her church. During the latter years of her life, one thing could be counted on; she would always be checking to be sure she had a way to church. She believed in being faithful, and was careful to do everything she could to go to church and be a part of what was going on. This was a high priority for her, and she was faithful to the end. Service will be 1:00PM Wednesday November 2, 2005 at the Emmanuel Pentecostal Church, 1200 Poplar Dr., Mesquite, TX. 75149, with Rev. Richard Flowers officiating.Family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Pallbearers will be Clifford Jennings, Tyler Jennings, Chad Starks, David Starks,Jr., Rodney Fuller, and Darrell Fuller.