Marylyn Starr

On May 5, 1947, Marylyn Starr was born to Josephine Hillman and Esau Starr, in Kansas City Kansas. She received her heavenly wings on, September 30, 2021.

Marylyn attended Kealing and Attucks, all black elementary schools, before attending Whittier Elementary which was the first integrated school. She also attended Central Jr. High, Basehor High School, Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), and Donnelly College in Kansas City. 

She was treasurer of DECA Retreads. Marylyn retired as a bookkeeper, but through the years she had many businesses including, Bee Line Clothing, Avon, Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Mary Kay, and Princess House.

Marylyn accepted Christ at an early age. She began her Christian walk with The Church of God in Christ on 6th street in Kansas City, Kansas under the leadership of Bishop Pleas. As an adult, Marylyn attended Open Door Baptist Church in Kansas City Kansas, as well as Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church. In 1981, Marylyn relocated to California and attended New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Inglewood, California, Rev. M.M. Merriweather, Pastor. She was a faithful member in the choir and usher board. Marylyn relocated to Santa Ana where she was a dedicated member and served actively in both the Executive Choir and the Voices Choir of the Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana California, Rev. John Nix McReynolds, Pastor.

Marylyn loved to sing and was involved in several choirs: The 1000 Voice and The James Cleveland Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Los Angeles Chapter, under the direction of Rowena Preston.

Marylyn was a long-standing member of the Eastern Stars in the chapters of, Koran Court No. 37 Daughters of Isis, Akar Grand Court. She joined the King David Grand Lodge, in the early 80’s, and worked her way to become a Worthy Grand Matron, working under the order of Sister Cora Brooks and Grand Master, Morris McCants; she was a long-time member who loved the lodge.

Marylyn was preceded in death by both parents; stepfather, Willie Pierce; her 1st husband, Marvin Mumford; brothers, Bernard Pierce, Fred “Raymond” Estes, Sr., Sammy Pierce, Michael Pierce, and Benjamin F. Pierce; and her sister, Clara May Porter. 

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Melissa “Missy” D. Mumford-Jefferson (Tony Jefferson-preceded deceased), Kansas City, Michelle “Shelley” R. Mumford-Hutcherson (Kevin) Northern California, and Monica E. Mumford-Swinson, Southern California; grandchildren, Rochelle T. Jackson, Tiffany M. Swinson, Tony M. Jefferson II, and Monique Jefferson; great-grandchildren, Mea Roundtree, Ta’Niyah Thomas, Deshaun Caesar, Zo Irie Thomas, Hasani-Selassie Hughes, Asha Hughes and RoWhin V. Valette (expected arrival, 1/2022); godson, Damond E. Russell; siblings, Ronell Starr, Ray “Mohammad'' Starr, David Pierce, Walter L. Pierce, Markee Starr (Angela), Esau Starr, Jr., Charlotte, Diane Watson (Bill), Barbara Rhodes (Lee Rhodes deceased), Daisy Jack (Rob), Darlene Pierce, Jackie Starr (Marvin), Patricia “Tricia” El Belghiti, Fannie Lisa Starr-Horton (John), Dr. Sue ``Alice” Starr, and Edna Starr; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, favorite cousins, and friends.

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