Obituary of Birdie Lynell Starks Smith

Obituary of Birdie Starks Smith Birdie Lynell Starks Smith was born on November 7, 1929, 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. Her parents and a brother, William (Billy), Jr., preceded her in death. At a very early age, Birdie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at New Hope Baptist Church, where she was a fourth generation descendant of one of New Hope’s founders, Emma Starks. This year she was recognized by the church as having membership for over 75 years. Birdie was a faithful member of the Deaconess Council and the Mission Society. Birdie graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and later attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On June 5, 1954, she married the love of her life, Henry Robert Smith, Sr. They shared 52 years of marriage. Two children were born to their union, Constance Suzette and Henry Robert, Jr. In 2006, Henry preceded her in death. Birdie was a member of the Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association. For over 50 years, she was a member of the Diamond Bridge Club. During her children’s formative years, Birdie was a stay-at-home mother. Next to Henry, her children were her life. Birdie was employed by the New Hope Day Care Center and later at Eagle Trophies, where she and Henry became part owners. She will be forever loved and cherished by her loyal and devoted children, daughter, Constance Flowers (Milton); son, Henry Smith, Jr. (Michelle); four grandsons, Quincy Savage, Jonathan Savage, Derek Smith and Roderic Smith; three sisters, Gretchen Carter, Bettie Jones and Mary Blair; a brother, Robert Starks (Callie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of Dallas, Texas.