Lavonia Brandford

Starks

Mrs. Lavonia Brandford Starks was born on January 4, 1960, to Deacon Chester Brandford, Sr., and Rosa Lee Mann Brandford in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her formal education at Carver High School graduating in the Class of 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ms. Lavonia Brandford Starks accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with Macedonia Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Sunbeam Choir and a member of the Junior Usher Board.

Ms. Lavonia Brandford was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Terry Starks in Griffin, Georgia. She was employed by Wendy's Restaurant as a Cashier for 15 plus years.

In her leisure time she enjoyed making daily calls to her family and friends, she called over 50 people a day, checking on everyone and wishing them a blessed day. She loved playing games on her tablet and her phone, and she loved spending time with her family.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Mrs. Lavonia Brandford Starks entered the Heavenly Gates knowing there will be no more sickness, pain, suffering, only everlasting joy with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Starks, Sr.; parents, Deacon Chester Brandford, Sr., and Rosa Lee Mann Brandford; sister, Cynthia Brandford Howard; brothers, Chester Brandford, Jr., and Lester Brandford, Sr.; in-laws, Joann Evans and L. C. Evans; Freddie Starks, Jackie Mays, and Ernestine Grant Brandford; 3 special friends, Tammy Henderson, Oscar Shepard, and Kathy Barkley.

Mrs. Lavonia Brandford Starks leaves a lasting legacy, full of loving memories her loving and devoted daughter, Jennette (Marques) Welch, Sr.; her son, Quinton Sheppard; 3 granddaughters, Yakita Brandford, Iyana Welch, and Sojourner Welch; one grandson, Marques Welch, Jr.; step-father, Arthur Lee O'Neal; 18 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Robert) Dobbs, Ruby (Rodney) Hollis, Peggy Brandford, Elaine Reid, Lois Mays, and Sarah Starks; bonus children, Sandra (Steven) Starr, Oscar Lee Sheppard, Jr., Shamica (Jonathan) Sheppard, and Takeiatiya Sheppard. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will follow in Griffin Memorial Gsrden. Rev. Winston Taylor, Jr., is the Eulogist.