Area Obituaries
Carol Jean Bershire Starkman passed away peacefully on February 21, 2021. The daughter of Lawrence Berkshire and Ella Dowell, she was born on December 15, 1925 in Bridgeport, Illinois. Leaving the farm after high school, she went to work for the telephone company and later a transistor factory, supporting the war. She met her future husband when he was on leave from WWII Italy, married and later sailed the Pacific Ocean to join him at Misawa AFB Japan, his assignment during the Korean War. After military retirement, the family eventually moved to Titusville when he joined the Apollo Space Program. Carol worked for 30 years in the Titusville area, beginning with the Carousel Roller Rink, a popular recreational icon in the 60s and 70s, where she was the assistant operations manager and later as a hospitality manager at the L;K and the Ramada Inn. Her smile and laughter were infectious. She believed in a strong work ethic, honesty and respect, and set the example for others to follow. She loved life, her family and her faith. She was greatly loved and will be missed by many. She was predeceased by her husband, Major Phillip Starkman, USAF Retired, in 1977, and her four sisters, Rosella, Miriam, Ada, and Margaret. She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Starkman Hess and Melanie Starkman. Private services will be conducted. Emmons-Macey ; Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
