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Starling – Annie “Gennell” Starling, age 85 of Lawtey, FL passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at her residence with her loving family by her side. Gennell was born in Lawtey, FL on January 12, 1937, to the late Frank Marion and Gertrude Rosier Cruce. Gennell is a lifelong resident of Lawtey and graduated from Bradford High School in 1954. On February 13, 1954, Gennell married the love of her life VL Starling, and together they spent 56 wonderful years. She began her career at Big Dad’s Sewing Factory and enjoyed working there for many years. Gennell was a very talented seamstress. She made her daughters clothing by hand and even made her daughter Priscilla the most beautiful wedding dress. Gennell enjoyed gardening, reading, crocheting, and doing word searches. She was a member of Pine Level Baptist church where she enjoyed worshipping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. More than anything, Gennell loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Theodore Cruce, Eddie Cruce and Quincy Cruce; sisters Frankie Mae Pipkins, Bernice Duncan and Cathern Duncan; daughter-in-law, Bridgett Ann Starling; son-in-law, Mitchell Griffis, Sr.; sister-in-law, Rosemary Cruce; brother-in-laws, Robert Carlton, Eugene Pipkins, Gene Duncan, Stanley Noegel, Tommy Linzy, Will Batten, and Emory Duncan; and granddaughter, Lanette Starling. Gennell is survived by her children : Joseph Starling Sr. of Starke, FL, Priscilla (Rickey) Thomas of Lawtey, FL, Vernon Leo Starling of Yulee, FL and Sheila Griffis of Lawtey, FL; brothers, Marvin Cruce, George (Linda) Cruce, Frank (Beth) Cruce, Jr., Marcus (Cindy) Cruce; sisters, Eula Mae Carlton, Gertie Faye Noegel, Virginia Linzy, Gertrude “Plum” ( Duane) Griffis, Lucinda Batten; grandchildren, Leo Starling, Diane (Joseph) Meredith, Chastidy (Mitchell Griffis, Jr.) Starling, Joseph Starling Jr., Joni (Sam ) Bryant, Billy (Kristin) Griffis, and Lance (Jessie) Griffis; great-grandchildren, Chase Starling, David and Morgan Syskind, Michael and Dillon Jones, Daryl Palmer, Cassie (Michael) Wilson, Heather (Shane) Starling, Madison Starling, Leah (Jon) Prevatt, Wyatt Griffis, Trent Bryant, Laney Griffis, Ethan and Riley Griffis. A Celebration of Gennell’s life will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Pine Level Baptist Church at 11:00 am with Brother Leon Thomas, Pastor Marty Starling, and Pastor Roman Alvarez officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

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Annie Gennell Starling

January 12, 1937 - July 25, 2022