Jeffrey Starkey's Obituary
Jeffrey Starkey, 58, of Chattanooga, was called home by the Lord to rest from his labors on Monday, December 23, 2024, at his residence after a valiant fight against colon cancer. He was born on July 23, 1966, to Terry and Hilda Starkey. Jeffrey accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and was a member of the Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church his entire life. He was an active member working with the Singles Ministry and singing with the Youth Choir, Gospel Chorus, Mass Choir, and Praise Team. He faithfully served in each capacity. Jeffrey was also a member of the singing group Praise founded by the late David Sanders. The group shared the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the south for the past 30 years.
Jeffrey was a graduate of the Brainerd High School Class of 1984. Upon graduating, he began working for Provident Life and Accidental Insurance Company. While working, he attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he sang with the Littleton Mason Singers. He then began working for CIGNA Insurance Company, where he worked for 40 years until his illness began in December of 2023.
Through the years, Jeff enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. He traveled extensively and explored the United States, Israel, London, Paris, and Ghana. He was an avid tennis player and a member of the Brainerd Tennis Club where he played regularly and participated in many tournaments.
In December 2017, Jeff found his greatest love, skiing. He traveled to Killington Ski Resort in Vermont to begin ski instruction. From there, he attended the National Brotherhood of Snowsports annual Ski Summit where he met and befriended black skiers from all over the world that shared his love for adventure. He became a member of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports and Southern Snowseekers and continued to ski until his illness began.
Jeffrey was known by all as a loving, caring gentleman who loved serving the Lord. Whether at work, church, playing tennis, skiing, traveling or just in his day-to-day interactions, he was loved and respected as a man of integrity.
Jeffrey was preceded in death by his mother, Hilda E. Starkey. He is survived by his father, Terry (Nancy) Starkey; brother, Terrance Starkey; sister, Valencia Starkey; nephew, LaDarrius (Jessica) Starkey; niece, Jasmine Shackelford; uncles, Frank Henderson and Elton Young; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and dear friends. DUE TO THE WEATHER, FUNERAL SERVICE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED. Jeffrey will lie-in-state on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation with the family will be at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12 noon at the church. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.
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