Willie Lee Starr

Willie Lee Starr began her journey in this life, being born on September 1, 1927, to Will and Fannie Brown (both deceased) of Charlotte, NC. Willie was an only child, however not many were aware of it because of her welcoming heart—making others her extended family. She was a proud student and graduated from Second Ward High School. Willie was married for 25 years and preceded in death by Mr. Alexander Starr of Charlotte, NC. Out of these two entrepreneurial forces derived several very successful businesses, starting in 1957. Bright Starr Grill followed by Starr Pool Hall, Golden Bull Lounge, Five Points Laundromat, and Five Points Discount Beverage Store—all but one of those businesses were operating simultaneously until her retirement in 2016 at the vibrant young age of 88. After the untimely passing of her husband in 1972, Willie, with a very determined heart, moved on to dominate in Charlotte along with the help of her family—creating a prominence of wealth and stature. Her family often heard her quote the phrase, "You can push it or pull it, it's your lil' red wagon!" Willie was a force to be reckoned with and at the same time an "almsgiver" who consistently gave to the poor and the rejected of society. An example of this honorable mention was a poor mentally challenged young man by the name of "GA-GA" who we all loved and accepted as a part of the family—all because of Willie's desire to help people. Although Ga-Ga also preceded Willie in death, the list goes on and on of the many people she unselfishly gave a "helping hand"... sounds like her heavenly Father. Willie joined Friendship Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, for many years, however, her heart was even more eager to find out the truth of God's word to obtain a closer walk with Him. She studied the bible with Lonnie and Ann Jones for a great deal and even visited the Jesus Outreach Ministries, where she openly confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Although her studies are finished and work is now completed, she has undoubtedly crossed over to take her final rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. She leaves to cherish her memory: three children, Jerry McJunkins (Ann), Priscilla Woods (Obadiah), Cynthia Starr Brown (Ronald), and was preceded in death by her eldest son, Robert Lee McJunkins, Jr. (Connie); 15 grandchildren, Tonya Barnes (Alvin), Lashon Zamor (Marc), Alex Ross (Tiana), Jessica McJunkins, Kelsey McJunkins, Christian Woods (Monique), Zack Woods, Robert L. McJunkins, III (Shimeeda), Marlon McJunkins (Evelyn), Carla McJunkins, Ralph McJunkins, Jermain McJunkins (deceased), Donnie McJunkins (deceased), Robert Whitaker, and Robert Poitier; 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and extended family.