Mary E. Starkey

January 9, 1925 - June 8, 2025

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Starkey passed peacefully on June 8, 2025, at her home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 100.

Born in Houlka, Mississippi, Liz was the only child of Aaron Vester (A.V.) Knight, an insurance agent, and Mary Green Knight. Her family roots trace back to the storied Knight family of Jones County, Mississippi. As a young child, her family moved to Texas, where she later graduated from Austin High School and the University of Texas. Liz met her high school sweetheart, Hal Starkey, at Austin High, and they later married on December 23, 1944.

Liz loved to travel, which led her to work as a reservationist with Braniff Airways. She and Hal shared many adventures traveling with their close friends, Mary and R.A. Lewis, visiting favorite places like La Jolla, Santa Fe, and Keystone. Liz also had a lifelong interest in history and genealogy, always working to uncover and share the stories of her family and those who came before her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Hal Starkey; her grandson, Carson Starkey; and dear friends R.A. Lewis, Jr. and Mary Lewis.

Liz is survived by her son, Scott Starkey, and his wife, Julia Karotkin Starkey; her grandson, Hayden Starkey, and his wife, Laura Starkey; as well as three great-grandchildren.

Her family would like to thank all the caregivers who tended to her in the final years of her life.

Mrs. Starkey is laid to rest at Austin Memorial Park at 2800 Hancock Drive, beside her beloved husband.

In honor of Liz Starkey, contributions may be made to Aware Awake Alive at awareawakealive.org.