Minister Dwight Starks, Sr.

On August 5, 1970, God blessed the late Betty Jean Starks-Woodfork and John Brown with the birth of a son, Dwight Starks, Sr. On June 11, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends, he answered the Master's call and exchanged time for eternity. At an early age, Dwight accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend L.C. Tyler, Sr. There, he began a lifelong journey of faith, service, and spiritual growth. As he faithfully served the Lord, he embraced his calling to ministry and was ordained as a minister at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church by Reverend Robert Griffin. The ordination message, "Power in the Spoken Word," would become a fitting reflection of the powerful ministry he carried throughout his life. Dwight later united with Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to mature spiritually under the leadership of Reverend Tyler. As his relationship with Christ deepened, he became a devoted member of God's House of Praise Edifying Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.L. Martin, III, where he faithfully worshipped, served, and ministered until his health declined. Dwight received his education through the Clarksdale Municipal School District. Possessing a natural gift for connecting with people, he enjoyed a successful career as a casino dealer, working at several well-known gaming establishments, including Isle of Capri, Gold Strike Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and Fitzgerald's Casino. His smooth style, professionalism, and charismatic personality earned him the affectionate nickname, "Silk." Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Dwight earned his Commercial Driver's License at the age of fifty. He later traveled extensively throughout the United States, driving for several transportation companies and embracing the freedom of the open road. Whether traveling near or far, he enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing different places along the way. Dwight was a man of faith, strength, conviction, and unmistakable presence. He was confident, outspoken, and never afraid to share what was on his mind. He believed in standing firm on his principles and living life on his own terms. Those who knew him best understood that he was unapologetically himself. He possessed a larger-than-life personality, a quick wit, and a bold spirit that made him unforgettable. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew exactly where Dwight stood. On June 16, 2007, Dwight was united in holy matrimony to Theresa Harris-Starks. For eighteen years, they shared a bond built upon love, friendship, faith, commitment, and perseverance. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories and established a family legacy that will continue for generations to come. One of Dwight's greatest passions was Gospel music. Blessed with a love for singing and ministering through song, he shared his gifts with audiences throughout the region. Over the years, he sang with Deacon McCall and the Traveling Stars, Tay Tay and the Jones Singers, Southern Trumpeteers, Sons of Wonder, Da Fellas, The Voices of Joy, Memphis Harmonizers, Jonestown Crusaders, Patrick Hollis and United, Paul Porter and the Christianaires, Tim Smith and the Smith Singers, and numerous other groups. Through music, he touched lives, encouraged believers, and ministered to people from every walk of life. Because of his profound love for Gospel music, Dwight established the Legend Award, recognizing and honoring local Gospel artists for their contributions to the ministry of music. He also served as a dedicated member of the Sunflower Blues and Gospel Festival Committee, working tirelessly to preserve, promote, and celebrate Gospel music throughout the Mississippi Delta for future generations. Dwight never met a stranger. He had a unique ability to connect with people wherever they were in life and made everyone feel welcomed and valued. Dwight enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing dominoes and spades, attending community events, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. He especially loved baseball and found tremendous joy in watching his grandchildren play. Whether seated in the stands, standing along the fence line, or cheering from the sidelines, he was among their greatest supporters. Nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandchildren grow, compete, and succeed. Above all else, Dwight loved his family. He was fiercely devoted to those he loved and took great pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His love was genuine, his loyalty unwavering, and his presence impossible to replace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jean Starks-Woodfork and John Brown; his stepfather, Grover Woodfork; his beloved son, Dwight "Bo" Starks; his sisters, Georgia Starks and Mozella Brown; his grandparents, Willie and Ola Mae Starks; his uncles, Vans Starks, Willie Starks, Jr., Lennell Starks, Jack Starks, David Starks, Harvey Lee Johnson, Nebraska Johnson, Willie James Johnson, and Venson Muskin; and many other loved ones who preceded him in death. Though his earthly voice has been silenced, the impact of his life, ministry, music, and unwavering love for family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. Dwight's legacy will forever be remembered through the lives he touched, the songs he sang, the wisdom he shared, and the family he cherished. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife of eighteen years, Theresa Harris-Starks. Three sons: Edward (Elicia) Mosley, Sr. of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Markeith Mosley of Clarksdale, Mississippi; and Terry Mosley of Nashville, Tennessee. Four daughters: JaKirah Starks of Robinsonville, Mississippi; Tre'Shawna Starks and Ja'Shauna Starks, both of Clarksdale, Mississippi; and Jania Haynes of Jonesboro, Arkansas. He also leaves to cherish his memory eleven beloved grandchildren and one cherished great-grandchild. His grandchildren are Ezaria Mosley of Clarksdale, Mississippi; KaCeon Smith of Robinsonville, Mississippi; Kylan Starks of Robinsonville, Mississippi; Brenton Harris of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Korbin Starks of Robinsonville, Mississippi; Edward Mosley, Jr. of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Zataria Weeks of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Tazahvia Weeks of Clarksdale, Mississippi; ZeTia Mosley of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Zaccheus Mosley of Clarksdale, Mississippi; and Kaiden Streeter of Clarksdale, Mississippi. His precious great-grandchild is Cali Weeks of Clarksdale, Mississippi. His loving siblings include Sandra Starks-Nelson of Southaven, Mississippi; Tameka (Chuck) Woodfork-Allen and Sharon (Rodney) Fifer of Tunica, Mississippi; Jerry Givens and John (Cassandra) Brown of Jackson, Mississippi; Alvin (Helen) Brown of Gulfport, Mississippi; Jeffery (Adrienne) Brown of Wylie, Texas; Lakesha Brown of Garland, Texas; Sonya (Robert) Skipper of Sarah, Mississippi; Andre (Dionne) Brown of Chicago, Illinois; Katrice Blanch, Katrina Blanch-Jackson, JoAnn Sims, Lula (Percy) Perry, and Terrie (Jeffrey) Lofton, all of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Debra (Trin) Babers of Plano, Texas; Sharron (Glenn) Matthews of Garland, Texas; Doris Weatherspoon of Richardson, Texas; Janice (Tony) Smith of Dallas, Texas; Anthony (Jacqueline) Weatherspoon, Darrell Weatherspoon, and Patrick Weatherspoon, all of Clarksdale, Mississippi; Terrial Weatherspoon of Galveston, Texas; and Derrick Weatherspoon of Deer Park, Texas. He also leaves his devoted godmother, Dorothy Adams of Southaven, Mississippi; special daughters, Kendetria Ross of Southaven, Mississippi, Jalah Warren of Helena, Arkansas, Fredice (Farryn) Walker, Brandlyn (Mallory) Cannon, and KaTrina Nesby of Clarksdale, Mississippi; godsisters, Natarsha (Anthony) Harris of Nashville, Tennessee and Beverly (Danny) Trice-Bell; special brothers, Michael Thomas and Calvin Owten of Clarksdale, Mississippi; special cousins, Ethel Starks of Rosedale, Mississippi, Tearethia Daniel and Norman Starks of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Toquon Starks of Orlando, Florida, Shelia Stockstill Holston of Itta Bena, Mississippi, and Pastor Betty Ruth Starks of Chicago, Illinois; special friends, Samuel Johnson, Larry Thomas, Wallace McDowell, Earl McMillan, Michael Wade, Charles Jones, and Wilbert Phillips, all of Clarksdale, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Minister Dwight Starks, Sr.

August 5, 1970 - June 11, 2026