Lillie Mae Delena was born September 29, 1930, to Loyd Davis and Josie Mae Delena Colvard in Lavaca, Arkansas. She passed peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, January 15, 2019, in Ojai, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, J.T. Starr, and her brothers, Curtis and Buddy Colvard. She is survived by her son, Terry Starr and wife Sharon; daughter Sharon Begley and husband Ron; and daughter Melodie Catlett and husband Dave, as well as grandson Eric Starr and wife Michelle; and granddaughter Amber Sage and husband Gary; and great grandchildren Michael, Andrew, and Rae Lynn Starr, and Brandon, Garrett, Elliott, and Lillie Sage; and the Colvard family.
In the midst of the Great Depression Delena's family left Arkansas for California where they eventually settled in Santa Paula. Delena attended Olivelands, Briggs, and Santa Paula High School. During her youth she worked alongside her family picking cotton and grading lemons in the Limoneira packing house. In high school her life really began when she met her future husband and love of her life, J.T. Starr.
J.T. and Delena were married in the fall on 1948, and two years later welcomed their son, Terry. Little sisters, Sharon and Melodie, soon followed. The grocery business was where J.T. found his calling, and Delena came alongside him to spend the majority of their lives working together. Bayless Market was an integral part of their story and eventually became Starr Market. The family would also like to thank the entire staff at, At Home in Ojai for the wonderful care they provided.
