IN MEMORY

RuVenia Starkes (Tolen)

RuVenia Starkes (Tolen)

RuVenia “Pinky” Starkes Tolen was born September 28, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. and Ruth Reddick Starkes, Sr. She was reared in a loving home where she was taught Christian values that would sustain her for a lifetime. RuVenia attended the local public schools, graduating from William M. Raines Senior High School, Class of 1965.

After receiving her Bachelors of Arts degree from Edward Waters College, she worked there as a Financial Aid Administrator for more than twenty years. She then gained employment at the University of North Florida where she continued to help students achieve their educational goals until her retirement. RuVenia was also a faithful member for over fifteen years of the Mary E. Washington Chapter 179, Order of the Eastern Stars, Bethlehem Grand Chapter, where she held the office of Associate Matron.

As a child, Sister Tolen accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She became a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Sweetwater, under the pastorate of Rev. William LaVant. In later years, she joined the St. Thomas Mis- sionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Pastor Ernie L. Murray, Sr. While at St. Thomas, she was a dedicated participant of Pastor Support Ministry, Dis- trict Six, serving as Vice President, Experienced Seniors Ministry, Sunday School, and Bible Study. She served faithfully as President of the Scholarship Ministry until her health would no longer allow her to do so. Because of her love for God and the church, she worked untiringly in and around St. Thomas, giving of her time and talent, especially with the St. Thomas Family Life Center Special Events Committee.

The call from Heaven came to RuVenia on Sunday, January 4, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Starkes, Sr. and her youngest sister, Gloria J. Starkes.

Left to share the cherished memories of this beautiful soul are her beloved sons, Robert (Ramona) Tolen, Jr., Ronald Tolen; grandchildren, Brittany, Briana, Kayla, Jared, Justin, Robert, Jason, Kassidi Tolen; brother, Dr. Henry B. (Vivian) Starkes, Jr., Sacramento, CA; sister, Myra E. (David) Warren, Sacramento, CA; nephews, Marvin (Trish) McCray, Kareem Starkes; nieces, Kerith, Aneta, Keryn, Kieara Starkes; a host of cousins, other relatives and loving friends. 



 
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01/04/15 10:25 PM #1    

Pearl McTier (Williamson)

Pinky, I rejoice that the Lord permitted me the opportunity to visit with you at Thanksgiving 2014 and to speak with you as recently as last Wednesday, New Year's Eve.  I had no idea it would be the last time I heard your voice.  We've had a long run, as it were, and I'm so very thankful.  For the multiple visits each year when you attended the annual Financial Aid conferences on St. Petersburg Beach, for yours and Claryce's attendance, and surprise gift of bringing Gerri Dixon Fowler, to my retirement party, I'm eternally grateful.  We shall be sure to lift your sons and their families up in prayer, I have no doubt that you'll leave a void in their lives that only God can fill.  There is absolutely only one mother!  Rest in peace, my friend, til we meet again.  We dearly love you, Pinky!  Pearl & Larry


01/04/15 11:19 PM #2    

Dr. Sharon V. Solomon

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ruvenia.  Our hearts are mourning, however death is swallowed up in victory.... Death where is your sting, sting where is your grave?  Our friend has gone home to be with the Lord her Savior and friend.  We sang in the college choir together and we were great friends and classmates.  She was always the same.  To her family, we sen our most sinvpcere prayers for  comfort and Peace.  To be absent from the body is to be Present with the Lord!

 

Kenneth & Dr. Sharon Solomon


01/05/15 03:48 PM #3    

Bertha Wynn (Cromartie)

RUVENIA, I WILL MISS YOU.

 

 

 

 

 

 


01/07/15 11:47 AM #4    

Claryce Merritt (Jones)

In memory : RuVenia Starkes Tolen I know you are very dear to your sons , family & class of '65 RuVenia you transition from this life to be with Jesus. You will be with my Gene. We loss him 2 weeks ago today. RuVenia please hold his hands for me. Tell him I love him so much. I try not to cry. I believe I will see you both again one day. Until then I will feel
both your spirits in bright sunshine days . . . In beautiful
moonlit nights over the ocean. I feel both yours spirits when I
look up into bright blue sky.
All that is peaceful and serene. I will feel your presence and be so grateful. No more pain. No more tears. Bless your souls. Rest in perfect peace dear hearts. With love. A. Watson ?? ** Sun. 4. Jan. 2015 @ 7:58pm **
From: Ackalene Watson

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