Andrea Beverly Starkey

Precious Memories On April 2, 1987, a wonderful event took place in Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland. A beautiful 7 1b 14 oz baby girl was born to Robert and Fran Starkey, then of Whaleyville, Maryland. This beautiful girl, who charmed her father from day one, received the name of Andrea Beverly Starkey- Andrea, because it would follow the pattern of the name of her older sister, Aneesah; and, Beverly, because it would honor her father, Robert Beverly. Andrea, also known as “Drea”, later re-identified herself as “DreaStar” to reflect the diva that she was. Andrea called herself a PK (Preacher’s Kid), and often lamented about the numerous residences she had to adjust to over the course of her short life, Whaleyville, then Princess Anne, then Virginia, then Salisbury. But, every where she went, Andrea left an impression. In Parksley, Virginia, at Metompkin Baptist Church, at age 5, she earned the ire of the Trustees by putting fake money in the Sunday morning offering plate; but she won their hearts back by making her singing debut on the Children’s Choir, singing her first solo at age 6. That beautiful gift of singing would continue until she couldn’t sing anymore at age 25. Then, in Salisbury and Princess Anne, all who knew Andrea knew that she loved to sing and that she used her voice to sing praises unto God. In addition to singing in churches near and far, while at James M. Bennett High School, Andrea performed in the Rock and Roll Revival Show throughout her high school career. She also sang with the James M. Bennett Concert Choir and the James M. Bennett Gospel Choir. She participated in the Color Guards, the Student Government Association and other extracurricular activities, including being a local television producer at PAC-14 (where she considered Creig Twilley to be her adopted uncle). At age 14, Andrea, along with her Dad, became a Producer of the Age of Recovery television broadcast. Andrea was a quick learner and had a love for technology and modern gadgetry. Upon graduating from James M. Bennett High School, in 2005, Andrea attended the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). While at UMCP, Andrea continued her love for singing by becoming a member of the University of Maryland Gospel Choir and the Women’s Choir. In addition to singing, she was a member of the Judicial Council and IMPACT, a Christian based student organization. Also at UMCP, she was credited with designing the first web-page for the University of Maryland Career Center. Andrea proudly graduated from UMCP in 2009, receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Communications. However, desiring to continue her education, in 2010, Andrea applied and was accepted into the Master’s program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, pursuing a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. In May, 2012, she was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, with a grade point average of 3.8. Andrea was honored to serve as a Graduate Assistant in the Department. Andrea loved people and doing things that would bring hope and encouragement. She was happy to share memories of individuals she came in contact with at her first place of employment, Arby’s on Route 50; then Hollywood Videos; and lastly, as a part-time sales associate with JC Penney’s, until her health preventing her from comfortably working. But, Andrea’s life story would not be complete without sharing her love for her family and friends. Especially her parents, Rev. Robert and Franzella Starkey; her sweet sister and best friend, Aneesah; Andre, her one and only brother-in law; Tony and Levar, her brothers; special niece Shabreya, whom she loved like a sister; her nephew, Andre, Jr., who was her best playmate (especially the Wii game); and her baby nephew, Drake Anthony, who kept her heart filled with joy, even when pain gripped her body. She loved her paternal grandmother, Louise Gilbert, uncles, Tyrone (Marjorie) Miles, Garland (Mildred) and Jeffrey (Denise) Hayward, Kenneth (Carol), Joshua (Aurelia), Gary and Sylvester Gilbert and her special aunts, Constance Williams, Brenda (James) Cornish, Shireatha Johnson, Zelma Hayward, Germaine Richardson, Carmela Hayward and Mordeen Randall (her anointed wound care specialist); and, her extra special (younger) cousins Gia, Takeya, Ayana, Shirelle, Sharity, ShirRhea and Jasmine and all the other (older) cousins, great-uncles, and aunts and relatives too numerous to mention by name. But, we would be remised if we didn’t mention her special aunts and uncles who fondly named her “Ashy”, Aunts Shirley, Myrtle Marie, Patricia and Elinor Mae and uncles Calvin (Gladys), Oscar (Barbara), Carl (Carolyn) and Kenneth (Mayfield) Miles. Andrea was preceded in life transition by her maternal grandparents, Theodore and Ethel Hayward. Drea was loved by so many people. She was supported throughout her illness by her friend, Christen Handy, who she thought of as a sister. Drea held fond memories of her “College Park” crew, Janay, Earl, Laneice, Anthony, Patrick, Robert and so many more that cannot be named by name. And, we cannot forget Jeanne and Hilarie Dobbs and Virgina, whom she grew to embrace as a sister, Preston, Caprice and the whole Total Praise crew. Andrea has transitioned into everlasting life. But, she left a legacy and a message. Those who knew her and witnessed how gracefully she endured her suffering for the past two years, know that she leaves the message that hope triumphs over despair, that good prevails despite evil and that the future is always brighter than the past. Andrea has entered into her brighter future. “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Prov.31:30-31) Presented in Love, The Family

Andrea Beverly Starkey

April 2, 1987 - July 23, 2012