Willie Mae Starr

Mrs. Willie Mae Benson Starr lived 67 years full of love and joy with family and friends. A beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend– Willie Mae peacefully transitioned surrounded by family in her home in Tullahoma, Tennessee on March 10, 2025. 

She was born on May 13, 1957 in Gadsden, Alabama as the seventh of nine children to Maggie Lee and Willie James Benson. As a youth, she enjoyed being an athlete in softball. She is remembered as a great hitter and outfielder. She was a skilled seamstress and her talent was appreciated as a trade and in gifts to many– especially for making dresses. As an offering to many family gatherings, she loved baking and was known for her red velvet and pound cake.  Willie Mae had a charitable and giving spirit that reached many family and community members. She was the one that many reached out to in need and she opened her home to many. As a passionate parent, Willie Mae embodied her role and gave guidance until her last breath. She modeled the importance of education and pursued higher learning in Business Management at Shelton State Community College, which led her into professional property management. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Tullahoma, TN.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, Michael Starr Sr.; her mother and father; sisters– Priscilla, Sally, Jeanette, and Marilyn; and her beloved mother-in-law and siblings-in-law – Charlsie Wright Horne, Donald Starr Sr., and Glenda Boyd. She is survived by her children: Audrey (Mark) Vanzant, Michael (TaShonna) Starr, Jr, and Charice Starr (Bud Ries); six grandchildren– Joshua, Allen, Micah, Alissa, Jaden, and expectant grandchild she nicknamed "BC"; and six great grandchildren; brothers, Willie (Brenda) and Jimmy (Ava) Benson;  sisters-Miranda Benson and Joyce (Carl) Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Walk-thru Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home in Tullahoma, TN.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Fellowship Baptist Church at 807 Avenue C in Gadsden, Alabama with Pastor Elmore Torbert, Jr as Eulogist.  Interment at Lincoln Hill Memorial Park.

The family sincerely appreciates all the prayers, gifts, and thoughts given at this time. 

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