Mrs. Lena Mae McDaniel Starks, 94 of Bedford, transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at her residence with her family by her side.

She was born in Campbell County, Virginia on November 25, 1926 to the late Thomas and Christine White-McDaniel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack H. Starks and two children, Jack H. Starks Jr. and Dorothy M. Bryant; grandchildren, Lolita Bryant, Donnell Goode, Tiffany Payne, Timothy Goode Jr, Kenneth Hurt Jr and Raheem Jefferson Jr. In addition, she was also preceded in death by one brother, Thomas "Tommy" McDaniel Jr. and three sisters, Lizzie Cook, Mary Burks and Catherine Brown.

Lena was a faithful, founding member of The Gospel Fellowship Temple of Bedford, Va. She was a strong believer in Christ and she leaned on that faith until the very end. Lena was a peacemaker with a soft voice. But when she spoke everyone listened. Lena had a big heart, never met a stranger and her doors were always open to anyone in need. She loved cooking and was known for her famous string beans. Lena was such a sweet lady and her greatest moments were being around her family. To know her was to love her.

She leaves to cherish her memory, twelve devoted children: Pasty A. Starks, Walter "Lewis" Starks, Doris F. Bryant, Kenneth R. Starks, Bruce (Carolyn) Starks, and James Starks all of Bedford, VA. Harold "Ed" Starks of Orange, VA. Shirley (Kenneth) Hurt Sr, Sonja (Robert "Leroy") Goode, Peggy (Donald) Goode Sr, Mary (Amos) Payne, and Bettie Starks all of Lynchburg, VA; a loving brother, Rev. Raymond (Vastine) Payne of Evington, VA; sister-in-law, Mary Sharpe of Alexandria, VA; 28 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Mother's love

A Mother's faith

A Mother's prayer

Never imagining that her love,

her prayers and her faith were enough

to last through generations to come.

Never questioning her ability to

make things happen for her family.

Never fearing that when problems

arrive that she couldn't take them on.

Her light and discipline were instilled

in her children, which passed it

down to their children, which led to

influencing so many more.

How could we not see her in ourselves?

She was able to leave this world

surrounded by love, still leaning on her faith.

So no goodbyes, she's within our

hearts and souls for a lifetime.

A beautiful soul that impacted so

many, looking back on her journey

over 94 years, deserves a celebration.

She finally gained her wings and heard

"A job well done."

~Lovingly Submitted by:

Keondra Hurt, Great Granddaughter