Cathy M. Starks

Cathy Michelle Starks (nee Hughes) was born on March 31, 1955 to Harvetta and Charlie Hughes in Los Angeles, California. She attended Ritter Elementary, Markham Jr. High and David Starr Jordan High School where she graduated with honors. She was raised in Deliverance Church of God in Christ at which time she was a member of the choir. Building upon the foundation that was laid in Deliverance, she later became a member of Watts Christian Center to maintain a relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She continued her education and received an Associate’s degree from Compton Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration; both from the University of Phoenix. As an artist, she received a Certificate of Completion from Art Instruction Schools and used her acquired skills while employed. She worked for United Auto Workers-Employment & Training Corporation in Los Angeles as a Customer Service Coordinator and as a Disability Services Specialist for the WorkSource Centers. Cathy was also employed as an educator for Portland Public Schools in Oregon and worked for Beggs School District in Oklahoma as a substitute teacher. In 2008, she was selected to participate in the Model Congress training located in Washington, D. C. In 2011, Cathy became a member of the National Congress of Black Women (Los Angeles Chapter) and for many years served to help build up her community. As a board member of NCBW-LAC, she chaired different committees and was instrumental in assisting city officials. She considered it too an honor to be a member of Christians United for Israel; an organization that endeavors to bless the Jews and Christians world-wide. In 1980, she married Karroll Michael Starks and they enjoyed their beautiful children; Steve, Amber, Jeremy, Russell and Justin. She and Karroll moved to Beggs, Oklahoma in 2015 where Karroll completed his assignment on earth (in December of 2017) and was shortly thereafter laid to rest. She is survived by 8 siblings, eight grandchildren, a mother-in-law, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, a son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and many friends. She was a musician at heart and loved to sing and play the piano. She had many encounters with her Savior while on earth and lived to honor his name. Cathy will be laid to rest with Karroll in the Beggs Cemetery, and will be joined together again in Heaven. Viewing will be from 12:00 PM to1:30 PM, Tuesday April 7, 2026 at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Beggs. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Beggs Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs, Oklahoma. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Cathy's Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com

Cathy M. Starks

March 31, 1955 - April 1, 2026