Sheila Rogers Starke

Sheila Rogers Starke, lovingly known as “Mookie” to her family, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 2, 2025. She was a woman of Southern charm and grace—sharp, witty, and deeply devoted to her family.

Sheila will be remembered as an avid reader with keen intellect, strong-willed, sharp, and unafraid to speak her mind. Her wit was quick, her standards high, and her presence quietly commanding. She took great pride in her personal style—always impeccably dressed—and in keeping a warm, immaculate home where every detail reflected her care and discerning eye. Sheila embodied a rare combination of grace, strength, and understated glamour.

Sheila was the perfect complement to her charismatic husband, Bolling P. Starke Jr., her soulmate and best friend. The two met at Auburn University, where Sheila earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, and were married for 65 years—a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared adventure. Together, they traveled the world, but they also found deep joy in returning home. At their treasured farm in Union Springs, lovingly known as Squirrel Hollow—a quiet, secluded place among the pine trees—and at their beach house on Ono Island, where the magic of the Gulf unfolded daily with visits from ospreys and herons, they created spaces filled with love, memory, and wonder for their children and grandchildren. Sheila poured her heart into her family. She was a steadfast protector and wise guide, whose enduring love shaped generations. And though her children and seven of her grandchildren proudly attended “the other university,” Sheila’s heart always beat orange and blue. War Eagle.

She is survived by her son, Bolling Powell Starke III, and her daughter, Elizabeth Starke Clements; and by her cherished grandchildren: Jack Chester Clements IV (Ashli), William Rogers Clements, Elizabeth Clements Feibelman (Samuel), Julia Ann Starke (Nathan), Lundy Starke Williams (Collier), Bolling Powell Starke IV, Katharine Wilson Starke, and Mary Neill Starke. Her legacy continues in her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless smiles: Steadman Powell Williams, Allen Starke Williams, and James Starke Dyjack.

A service celebrating Sheila’s life will be held at Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, Alabama, on Wednesday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside service will follow at Grace Episcopal Church. The family will receive guests at Sheila’s home at 3530 Oak Grove Circle beginning at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christchurch 8800 Vaughn Road Montgomery , AL 36117 c/o Chi Rho Kids Ministry a dedicated account where her daughter taught for many years, or to Dream Court, an adaptive tennis program for individuals with disabilities that her son remains actively involved. Tax ID 46-3051604 PO Box 6236 Montgomery , Al 36106.