Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
NameBeverly Ann MARLETTE 
3, Mr. Lindsey Solomon Massey,404, North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V58H-PRM : 22 December 2016) Ronald Lewis Massey and Beverly Ann Marlette, 18 Nov 1955; citing Caswell, NC,261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr,470, Robert Earl Marlette Sr.-Obituary
3, Mr. Lindsey Solomon Massey,404, North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V58H-PRM : 22 December 2016) Ronald Lewis Massey and Beverly Ann Marlette, 18 Nov 1955; citing Caswell, NC,261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr,470, Robert Earl Marlette Sr.-ObituaryBirthAug 2, 1937, Rockingham County, North Carolina261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr
DeathDec 4, 2024261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr
FatherRobert Earl MARLETTE Sr. (1890-1986)
MotherGracie Jane PICKARD (1904-1993)
Obituary Online notes for Beverly Ann MARLETTE
12/6/2024
Beverly Ann Marlette Starr
August 2, 1937 ~ December 4, 2024 (age 87)
Years from now, children will continue to gather around a campfire or dinner table, eagerly listening to the remarkable story of Beverly Marlette Starr, a woman whose legacy of epic proportions shaped not only her family but the hearts of all who knew her. She was born in Rockingham, NC to Robert Earl Marlette and Gracie Jane Pickard but, Alamance County was her home.
Her early years were intertwined with fabrics of poverty, love, loss, joy, tragedy, and rich sibling antics. As the 8th of 10 children living in a 2-bedroom home, clothes and beds were shared, dinners were plated with food that was grown or cheap finds at the market, and for some time, non-existent indoor plumbing was all they knew. If you feel sorry or sad for her reading this, don’t. The sibling bonds that came from these circumstances and the drive and resiliency produced are those that most can only dream of.
At 16 years of age, she and siblings traveled to NY to be contestants on the game show, Two for the Money. Unfortunately, on the way home they were in a car accident. She sustained injuries so severe, doctors predicted she would never walk or bear children. In fact, they were amazed she survived. Boy, did she prove them wrong. She walked until her final days and delivered 6 children, Ronald Lewis Massey, Jr (deceased), James Greggory “Greg” Massey (wife Wendy), Richard “Brett” Massey (wife Annette), Trip & Trey (twins born sleeping), Heather Starr Silver (husband Aaron). Despite the devastating accident that threatened to take everything from her, Beverly rose from those challenges, defying expectations in a way that would define her life. Her resilience became a foundation, not only in her own life but for the generations that followed.
She continued to love game shows and passed that fondness to her children. Recently The Price is Right, the Barker Era was her favorite. In fact, I am typing this obituary to the background noise of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Which makes me think of her constant response to the question, “can we bring you anything”. She would always say “a million dollars”. Though, the truth is that riches to her was never money. She was rich in family, blessings, and love. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren, those biological and countless “adopted” children.
Today, we remember the life of a woman who meant so much to so many. She was a one-of-a kind woman who embodied warmth, kindness, and grace in all she did. She had the ability to make everyone feel special through her warm smile, listening ear, well timed piece of advice, and endlessly generous heart. She was always eager to support, uplift, and unconditionally love. Beverly had an uncanny ability to create a sense of family and belonging. To her, family was never defined by blood – family was anyone in need.
She was a force of nature - a woman whose strength was matched only by her generosity. May her legacy live on in all of us through acts of kindness, generosity, resiliency, and love.
Beverly was the wife of 43 years to Herbert Stanley “Stan” Starr, Jr. Stan offered a lighthearted “don’t worry about it” approach which perfectly balanced her perfectionism. Stan’s daughter, Shelly Sims (husband Mark) was a welcomed blessing to Beverly who at the time had 3 sons. The twins and Heather came later. Purple was her favorite color because Stan told her that she looked best in that color because it signified royalty and she was his queen.
We are proud of her accomplishments as a lead editor with AT&T, Project Manager for HSS Incorporated, and author. You can find out more about her life in her book The Other Side of the Bridge which is a testament to her journey, offering insight into her indomitable spirit and the life lessons she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
As we reflect on Beverly’s remarkable life, we celebrate the love, kindness, and unshakable strength she shared with all of us. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her extraordinary spirit.
We would like to recognize other family members.
Siblings:
Elmer Monroe Marlette (deceased)
Annie Laura Marlette (deceased)
Robert Earl Marlette, Jr (deceased)
Virginia Mae Marlette (deceased)
Rebecca Elizabeth Marlette (deceased)
Dorothy Pickard (Marlette) Rokita
Barbara Louise (Marlette) Stanfield
Peggy Lee Marlette (deceased)
Brenda Patricia (Marlette) Brogden (husband Earl Brogden)
Children listed above.
Grandchildren/Greatgrandchildren:
Jae Sangiacomo, husband Dean Olson, Children Easton & Ben
Crystal (Massey) Holland, husband Chad. Children: Tucker, Graylyn Brett, Kinsey Chyles
Joe Sangiacomo, wife Holly.
Zachary Massey, wife Allison Tresslar. Daughter Mayve.
Bryson Massey, wife Erica. Son, Easton
Hayden Sims, wife Alisa Spencer Sims
Kamryn (Silver) Cochran, husband Harrison Annistan Silver
Family and friends are invited to a casual visitation at Beverly’s home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In accordance with Beverly’s wishes, a lighthearted celebration of her life will take place in the Spring. Further details will be shared at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, we are suggesting donations be made to Living Free Ministries of Alamance County. Donations can be made in her honor/memory to:
Living Free Ministries
1230 Walnut Grove Lane
Snow Camp, NC 27349
Or electronically through the QR Code
https://www.richandthompson.com/notices/Beverly-Starr 261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr
Beverly Ann Marlette Starr
August 2, 1937 ~ December 4, 2024 (age 87)
Years from now, children will continue to gather around a campfire or dinner table, eagerly listening to the remarkable story of Beverly Marlette Starr, a woman whose legacy of epic proportions shaped not only her family but the hearts of all who knew her. She was born in Rockingham, NC to Robert Earl Marlette and Gracie Jane Pickard but, Alamance County was her home.
Her early years were intertwined with fabrics of poverty, love, loss, joy, tragedy, and rich sibling antics. As the 8th of 10 children living in a 2-bedroom home, clothes and beds were shared, dinners were plated with food that was grown or cheap finds at the market, and for some time, non-existent indoor plumbing was all they knew. If you feel sorry or sad for her reading this, don’t. The sibling bonds that came from these circumstances and the drive and resiliency produced are those that most can only dream of.
At 16 years of age, she and siblings traveled to NY to be contestants on the game show, Two for the Money. Unfortunately, on the way home they were in a car accident. She sustained injuries so severe, doctors predicted she would never walk or bear children. In fact, they were amazed she survived. Boy, did she prove them wrong. She walked until her final days and delivered 6 children, Ronald Lewis Massey, Jr (deceased), James Greggory “Greg” Massey (wife Wendy), Richard “Brett” Massey (wife Annette), Trip & Trey (twins born sleeping), Heather Starr Silver (husband Aaron). Despite the devastating accident that threatened to take everything from her, Beverly rose from those challenges, defying expectations in a way that would define her life. Her resilience became a foundation, not only in her own life but for the generations that followed.
She continued to love game shows and passed that fondness to her children. Recently The Price is Right, the Barker Era was her favorite. In fact, I am typing this obituary to the background noise of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Which makes me think of her constant response to the question, “can we bring you anything”. She would always say “a million dollars”. Though, the truth is that riches to her was never money. She was rich in family, blessings, and love. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren, those biological and countless “adopted” children.
Today, we remember the life of a woman who meant so much to so many. She was a one-of-a kind woman who embodied warmth, kindness, and grace in all she did. She had the ability to make everyone feel special through her warm smile, listening ear, well timed piece of advice, and endlessly generous heart. She was always eager to support, uplift, and unconditionally love. Beverly had an uncanny ability to create a sense of family and belonging. To her, family was never defined by blood – family was anyone in need.
She was a force of nature - a woman whose strength was matched only by her generosity. May her legacy live on in all of us through acts of kindness, generosity, resiliency, and love.
Beverly was the wife of 43 years to Herbert Stanley “Stan” Starr, Jr. Stan offered a lighthearted “don’t worry about it” approach which perfectly balanced her perfectionism. Stan’s daughter, Shelly Sims (husband Mark) was a welcomed blessing to Beverly who at the time had 3 sons. The twins and Heather came later. Purple was her favorite color because Stan told her that she looked best in that color because it signified royalty and she was his queen.
We are proud of her accomplishments as a lead editor with AT&T, Project Manager for HSS Incorporated, and author. You can find out more about her life in her book The Other Side of the Bridge which is a testament to her journey, offering insight into her indomitable spirit and the life lessons she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
As we reflect on Beverly’s remarkable life, we celebrate the love, kindness, and unshakable strength she shared with all of us. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her extraordinary spirit.
We would like to recognize other family members.
Siblings:
Elmer Monroe Marlette (deceased)
Annie Laura Marlette (deceased)
Robert Earl Marlette, Jr (deceased)
Virginia Mae Marlette (deceased)
Rebecca Elizabeth Marlette (deceased)
Dorothy Pickard (Marlette) Rokita
Barbara Louise (Marlette) Stanfield
Peggy Lee Marlette (deceased)
Brenda Patricia (Marlette) Brogden (husband Earl Brogden)
Children listed above.
Grandchildren/Greatgrandchildren:
Jae Sangiacomo, husband Dean Olson, Children Easton & Ben
Crystal (Massey) Holland, husband Chad. Children: Tucker, Graylyn Brett, Kinsey Chyles
Joe Sangiacomo, wife Holly.
Zachary Massey, wife Allison Tresslar. Daughter Mayve.
Bryson Massey, wife Erica. Son, Easton
Hayden Sims, wife Alisa Spencer Sims
Kamryn (Silver) Cochran, husband Harrison Annistan Silver
Family and friends are invited to a casual visitation at Beverly’s home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In accordance with Beverly’s wishes, a lighthearted celebration of her life will take place in the Spring. Further details will be shared at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, we are suggesting donations be made to Living Free Ministries of Alamance County. Donations can be made in her honor/memory to:
Living Free Ministries
1230 Walnut Grove Lane
Snow Camp, NC 27349
Or electronically through the QR Code
https://www.richandthompson.com/notices/Beverly-Starr 261, Beverly Ann Marlette Starr