Merlyn J. Starks

MERLYN JEAN STARKS was born on March 16, 1952, to Dan and Lovelle Oliver in Salisbury, North Carolina. The family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, when she was three years of age.

Merlyn received her education through the Baltimore City Public Schools System and later continued her studies to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In 1969, Merlyn was united in marriage to the love of her life, Michael Starks, Sr. From their union came two sons, Michael Drew and Marsell Dwane. Merlyn's world revolved around her boys. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them, raising them to be hardworking and respectful men. From beginning to end, they were her greatest pride and joy.

Merlyn dedicated more than 30 years of service to Johns Hopkins Medical Center. She began her career as a security guard and, after completing her nursing assistant program, worked alongside nurses to care for countless patients from all walks of life. Merlyn loved to teach-especially the new nurses. She made sure they learned the skills they needed, and with her warm bedside manner, she made every patient feel loved, valued, and cared for. There was no task Merlyn wouldn't complete to ensure her patients were comforted and well cared for.

Merlyn gave her life to Christ. She often sang songs that brought her peace and enjoyed the fellowship at church with family and friends.

Merlyn was the proud grandmother of five beautiful granddaughters and one grandson. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved watching them grow and spending precious time with each of them-each one held a special place in her heart.

Merlyn loved her family dearly and made time to be with them whenever she could. She enjoyed going out to breakfast at Bob Evans, lunch at Olive Garden or dinner at Mo's or Pappas-anywhere she could find a good crab cake. She loved crocheting, completing crafts, watching soap operas with sister Kathy, shopping with her nieces and sharing conversations with her nephews.

She is preceded in death by her loved ones: her parents, Dan and Lovelle; her brothers, Phillip and Zachary; her sisters, Sandra Gail and Audrey; and loved ones; Richard Joyner and Horace Tisdale.

Merlyn leaves to cherish her legacy of love; her two sons, Michael (Rhonda) and Marsell (Lolita); her granddaughters, Marysha (Christina), Micholl (Brandon), Markita, Sabrea and Maleah; her grandson, Dayvon; twelve great-grandchildren; her best friend, Linda Carr; a host of nieces and nephews; extended relatives and friends; and the Parkview at Taylor 'Porch Crew," whom she loved dearly.