June Ella Starling

June Ella Adams Starling

November 1, 1931~November 27, 2023

92 Years Young

               “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8.

               Devoting yourself to God in life is the way to live an honest and happy life. All the choices you make in life should be made for His glory.

                   June Starling was born in Carryville, Arkansas to Charlie and Lubie Adams. She grew up with an older sister Fern, a younger sister Floriece, and a younger brother Gary on their eighty acre farm just outside of Piggott. Her ‘faithful servants’ heart was instilled as a child. Memories of riding a horse drawn buggy to South Thornton Church of Christ and reading the Bible on the front porch to her Grandpa Baker were often shared with family. She graduated high school, continued her education at Harding College and earned a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics 1954.

                     June met the love of her life, Herman Starling, through a mutual friend in college. She invited him to a Sadie Hawkins Day Banquet and their courtship began. After graduation they were excited to start their new life together and married June 2, 1956. Herman enlisted in the Army and they relocated to Ft. Chaffee in Ft. Smith, Arkansas where they couldn’t wait to start a family of their own. Their children, Kelly Brant and Karla Belinda, meant the world to them and completed her.

                    The next chapter began with a move to St. Louis. They were charter members of Lemay Church of Christ. June supported Herman as an elder for the next thirty-eight years. During that time she lovingly raised her children in the church and practiced her gift of service. Some of her talents included mentoring young couples, one on one Bible studies, and using her elaborate decorating and culinary skills for various dinners. Just like her mother, June cooked from scratch. Although it was known she enjoyed making meals for her family, she lovingly and quietly delivered food to shut-ins or anyone down on their luck. She and Herman also became involved with missionary work in Jamaica. June devoted time and energy to raise money for Bibles and kitchen appliances to encourage fellowship meals. Many trips as well as life long friends were  made sharing God’s love with others.

               As they aged and health declined, the decision was made to move back to Arkansas with Karla. June was widowed in 2016. Despite her own chronic health issues she spent the past seven years enjoying her garden, sharing recipes, making memories and going to church with Karla. Not one to have idle hands, her excellent seamstress skills resurfaced.

               She, with the help of Karla, began making teddy bears to comfort sick children; a ministry that continues today at Windsong Church of Christ in North Little Rock.

               On November 27th she finished her life’s work on Earth. Of all the selfless acts of kindness and never prideful service to others, her best and most important gift God gave her  was to lead people to Jesus. Although her physical presence will forever be missed, it is comforting to know she lived her whole life as a Christian longing to hear these words from Christ someday in heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant!…” Matthew 25:21.

               She leaves her daughter Karla Phillips, brother Gary Adams (Gail), many nieces and nephews and friends too many to count. 

               Proceeded in death by her husband Herman Starling, son Kelly Brant Starling, sisters Fern Jones and Floriece Duncan.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to Venmo @Karla-Phillips-28 #3762 or a check made out to Windsong Church of Christ, 3 Windsong Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72113 noting June's Walk 4 Water in the memo. The goal is to bring the life-saving gift of clean water to those who desperately need it by drilling wells.