Rochelle Williams Starkey

Rochelle Williams Starkey of Blythewood, SC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Lexington Community Hospice Home. The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate nurses and caregivers who provided such loving care to Rochelle in her final days.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Rochelle Williams Starkey will be held at Shandon Baptist Church Chapel on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM.

Rochelle was born on February 18, 1931, in Star, North Carolina, to the late George M. and Thelma Jordan Williams. A dedicated student, she graduated from Star High School and Lees-McRae College. Rochelle earned a basketball scholarship to Lees-McRae, where she played as a guard for the women’s basketball team. After graduating from college, she began her career in medical records at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC.

On October 12, 1958, Rochelle married the love of her life, James (Jim) Franklin Starkey, and moved to his hometown of Milford, Connecticut. She continued her career as a Registered Record Administrator at Bridgeport Hospital, where she also served as President of the Connecticut Medical Records Association.

In 1970, Jim and Rochelle relocated to South Carolina, where she became the first Director of Medical Records at Lexington Medical Center and was part of the original staff that opened the hospital. She was a dedicated professional, contributing her expertise to the South Carolina Hospital Association, serving as the South Carolina Liaison for Federal Health Programs, and advising on medical data quality as a member of the Midlands Technical College Medical Advisory Committee.

A devoted member of Shandon Baptist Church for over 30 years, Rochelle faithfully served in the Homebound Ministry, as Prayer Ministries Coordinator, and as part of the Faith Sunday School Bible Class. Alongside Jim, she volunteered for over 15 years with Meals on Wheels, offering kindness and care to those in need. She was also an active member of the Pine Ridge Women’s Club.

Rochelle’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Janine Rochelle Roberts and Joy Starkey Grainger (Jeremy Grainger); her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Rochelle Sparks, Amanda Roberts Campbell (Justin), Matthew Roberts (Katie), Mitchell Roberts, Johnny Williams Bowen, Charles Keifer Grainger, and Hope Selah Grainger; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Sarah Rush Williams of Aiken, SC, as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Franklin Starkey; son-in-law, Randall Roberts; her brothers, George Winfred Williams and Charles Lee Williams; and her sister, Clara Sue Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shandon Baptist Church Missionary Fund or a charity of your choice, honoring Rochelle’s lifelong spirit of service and generosity.