Viola Birchett Starke, 87, of Newport News, VA, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 19, 2007 at Fitzgerald Health Center in the Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community in Winston-Salem.

"Vi," as she was affectionately called by friends, graduated from St. Paul Normal and Industrial School in Lawrenceville, VA and attended college there for one year. In 1941, she married Clarence Joseph Starke and they moved to Newport News, Virginia. They were inseparable until his death in 1984. A trained beautician, she worked for several years as a hairdresser before changing careers and becoming a cafeteria cook for Newport News Public Schools.

Viola Starke was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church East End, Newport News, VA for more than 60 years. She served on the Deaconess Board, Senior Choir, Missionary Society and the Hospitality Committee. She was also a volunteer with the Road Ahead Center.

She leaves memories of a devoted mom who loved God with all her heart. She is survived by her only child, Wanda Starke and son-in-law, Ron Fisher, of Winston-Salem.



Funeral services will be conducted at 11am, Friday, June 22, 2007 from the First Baptist Church East End. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church East End Building Fund, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.

Cooke Brothers Funeral Home, 1601 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607 are in charge of services and arrangements.