Julia Starr-Markis

Julia Starr Markis, aged 88, died peacefully on July 8th at Florida Medical Center in Oakland Park, FL. Julia was born Dec.25th 1927 in Stamford, CT, the daughter of Louis and Anastasia Vinios who migrated to America from Greece.

Julia was a great fan of athletics and was a star Center on her Stamford High School basketball team. After graduation and shortly after World War II, she married Army veteran, Private First Class Alexander P. Starr. Alexander was a consummate entrepreneur and took on multiple ventures in the restaurant industry and plant nursery business. Julia was his right hand and business partner. Julia and Alexander moved to West Palm Beach, FL in 1973 to establish a plant nursery where they worked side by side. Julia was widowed in 1985 but continued working fulltime at the nursery into her seventies. This venture continued to be a staple in the community for over 40 years. Her son and grandson manage the nursery to this day.

Through the many family ventures, Julia developed a love for cooking and the outdoors. She loved travelling and family get-togethers. Her dinner parties were inspired by her most beloved recipes, an authentic Greek leg of lamb and her “famous in the family” Avgolemono soup. A fluent speaker of the Greek language, an avid watcher of Monday night football and game shows, Julia was one of a kind. She was a tenacious, hard working woman with a generous spirit who truly valued her family and friends.

Later in life, Julia married Gus Markis, a fellow member of the Greek Orthodox Church of West Palm Beach. While faith had always been dear to Julia, it became of more importance when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She became a faithful attendee at Harvest Preparation Ministries in Tamarac, FL. Among her church family she was most affectionately known to all as Yia Yia.

Julia is survived by her son James Starr and his wife Louise; her grandson Adam and his wife Lorraine; three great grandchildren, Adam Jr., Samantha, and Johanna; and a number of other relatives and close friends.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will host Visitation at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens located at 200 W. Copans Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33064 on Monday, July 11th from 5-8pm.

Funeral Service will be held at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation & Event Center at Hillcrest located at 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 on Tuesday, July 12th at 11am.

Committal Service to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park located at 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 on Tuesday, July 12th at 12pm.