ROCKINGHAM — Emma Richardson Starling, 97, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, surrounded by many loved ones, at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
Emma was born on Sept. 2, 1925, in Hamlet, daughter of the late Jeter Baxter Richardson and Belle Jenkins Richardson.
She faithfully attended Faith Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. Her love for spreading God’s Word and giving anyone who she came in contact with a splash of joy had an eternal impact on her friends, her family, and many others. She was a devoted Christian, wife, sister, mother, Nanny, and friend to anyone she met.
She was mostly a homemaker, taking care of her children, and working a few jobs to help support her family. Later in life, she volunteered at Hospice and multiple nursing facilities. Her family remembers the many times she would say “love you more” when saying goodbye. Those who knew and loved her will miss her deeply.
Emma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Lynwood Henry Starling; daughter, Karen Sinclair Idol; granddaughter, Tracie Starling Driggers; and all of her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by three sons, Tony Starling (JoAnn), John Starling (Janice) and Dean Starling (Elaine), all of Rockingham; 16 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren; and her very best friend, Ellen Tedder.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022 from noon-1:45 p.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Hatcher Road, Rockingham. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., following the visitation, with Pastor Travis Wilkerson and the Rev. Stephen Peele officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Faith Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 276 Hatcher Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.
And as she made sure that we were all aware of, we are blessed by the best and highly favored!
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Starling family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
