Cathy Kay Starkey, age 62, and her husband, Gary Starkey, passed away at their home in Fulton, Missouri on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.  Cathy was born April 30, 1961, in Mississippi County, Missouri, to Shirley Ann Skelton Smith who survives of East Prairie, Missouri, and the late Willie Ray Smith.

Cathy married the love of her life, Gary Starkey, on July 20, 2002.

Cathy was a member of Carrington Baptist Church in Fulton for over twenty years.  She loved and helped to raise many kids, and was known as "Nannie" to Samuel Achter, Gunner Achter, and Grayson Deere.  Being a foster mom, she was a mother to many, and always opened her home to anyone in need.  Cathy had been employed by Valley Park Retirement Center in Fulton for four years and was a homemaker.

In addition to her mother, survivors include three sisters, Shirley Ann Swann, Norma Brewer, and Peggy Smith; and one brother, Jimmy Dale Smith.

She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers, Jerry Wayne Smith and Carl Ray Smith.

Cathy had a big heart and loved children.  She will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. at New Beginnings Church, 209 Powers St., East Prairie, Missouri, with Bro. Randy Eskew, pastor, officiating.  Cathy will be laid to rest with her dad at Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston.

Obituary courtesy of Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.