The Essence of Mary Allison Starks Blair

My Mother was born on February 26, 1939, in Dallas, Texas to William Allison Starks and Julia Mae Walker Starks. She was raised in a loving and close-knit family that included five siblings. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: William (Billy), Jr., Birdie, Gretchen (Baby Sister), and Bettie Joe.

On the fourth Sunday in July 1873, Mary’s great-great grandmother, Emma Starks, along with five other pioneering Christian women and one man, founded New Hope Baptist Church. As a fourth-generation descendant, Mary was baptized at an early age by Dr. O.M. Locust. She was recognized by the church as having been a member for over 75 years, where she served in various church ministries, including New Members Committee; Showers of Blessings Outreach Ministry at the MLK Center; Seasoned Saints Ministry (Chairperson); and the Solace Committee (Chairperson). In addition, she volunteered as an office assistant, with the Youth Ministry, and Vacation Bible School. In 2016, she was recognized as the Titus 2 Woman of the Year.

Mary attended Booker T. Washington High School until the family moved to South Dallas. While attending “The Great” James Madison High School, Mary was a star twirler as a member of the Whirl Wind Club. She graduated in 1957.

In 1960, she married my father, Johnny A. Blair and on July 29, 1961 their only child was born. With excitement, my father named me, Dawn Maria. I was the unequivocal LOVE of HER LIFE.

Mary began professional career at Texas Instruments (TI), however, after I started school, she joined the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) to align her schedule with mine. She worked at H. S. Thompson Elementary School for several years before joining the staff at John B. Hood Middle School, as the school registrar.  She retired from the DISD after serving more than 30 years.

Mary was a long-time, faithful member of the Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas, Inc. (WLAA). For many years, she served as the Registrar for their National Conventions.

There is a creative gene in the Starks family, which lead to Mary enjoying sewing, knitting, crocheting and gardening. But her favorite past-time was BINGO with the South Dallas BINGO Club…a “made up organization” of sisters and life-long sister-friends (Carmena, Julia, Nellie Jean, Birdie, Baby Sister, Bettie Joe, Peggy, and Juanita). Years later, Horace Mae and Jackie joined the group. I can only imagine the excitement in heaven when Mary arrived. Mary had a very special relationship with her little brother, Robert, as she was the youngest girl and he was the youngest of the siblings!

I will forever love my mama! She will be loved and cherished by her brother Robert Starks (Callie); nephews Donald “Donnie” Bright, Jr. (Sharisse); Michael Jones (Carol); Henry Smith, Jr. (Tammy); Patrick Starks; Kelvin Starks (Shannon); Dr. Donald Blair, II (Gayle); nieces Cheryl Jones, Constance Flowers (Milton); Jeanne Jones; Charlotte Jones; Alberta Blair; a host of great- nieces and great-nephews and special sister-friends Mary “Sisty” Banks, Clara Bell-Johnson, Nancy Brembry, Gwen Brown, Carl Ann Dyer, Algie Rita Lawrence, and  Sylvia Wayne.