Joretta Belle (Patterson) Starkey

Joretta Belle (Patterson) Starkey, affectionately known as “Meme,” passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the age of 88 at home in Weston, WV surrounded by family. Meme succumbed to a short-term illness. Born on August 19, 1936 in Clarksburg, WV, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Eldridge Patterson Sr. and the late Mayola J. (Fox) Patterson.

On December 12, 1953, Meme married the love of her life, Allison Arol “Blondie” Starkey Sr., and they shared 68 beautiful years of marriage before his passing on November 12, 2021. Together, they built a legacy of love, family, and cherished memories.

Meme was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is preceded in death by her son, Allison Arol Starkey Jr. (August 21, 2015)(Judy). She is survived by her loving children, Onnie (Starkey) Portaro (James) of Weston, WV, and J.B. Starkey (Joann) of Clarksburg, WV.

Her life was further enriched by her grandchildren: Heather Mudrick Campbell (Jason), Allison Schirripa (Robbie), Craig Starkey (Jill), Amanda Starkey, John “JJ” Starkey (Emily Faddis), Scotty Starkey (Emil), Dan Bergman (Bethany), Brandon Bergman (Sarah Conway), and Matthew Bergman (Emily). Meme’s great-grandchildren—Madison, Emma, Grace, Maddox, Carson, Morgan, Kaitlyn, Isabella, Brianna, Maddy, Brooklynn, Alexander, Lukas, Andrew, Xavier, Elliot, Nora, Miles, Grayson, Liam, and Jack—brought her immeasurable joy.

She will also be deeply missed by extended family members, including her nephew Jeff Patterson (Dede), and close friends Dr. Sonny Tucker (Jodi, Caroline, and Jack). She was loved by many other nieces, nephews, and other family spread across the country. Meme was preceded in death by her siblings, Onnie J. Patterson, John Eldridge Patterson Jr., Jack Patterson, and J. Patterson.

A graduate of Victory High School’s class of 1954, Meme dedicated her life to nurturing others. She lived her life fully as a caregiver for not only her own children, but also the children of her beloved sister Onnie and many more along the way that then called her Meme. She was always the life of the party wherever she went and brought joy to everyone who knew her. Meme had several close friends from Victory High School that she cared deeply for and kept in close contact. The Spelter Senior Center gave her joyful entertainment with friends and acquaintances at the monthly meetings she attended through the years. In her spare time, she found great joy in crocheting and sewing, creating heartfelt treasures for those she loved.

Meme’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 3:00-7:00pm at Davis Funeral Home on Rt. 98 Clarksburg/Nutter Fort and on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home is honored to assist the Starkey family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joretta Belle (Patterson) Starkey, please visit our floral store.