Jean Roderick

Jean Roderick passed away peacefully at home with her family Sunday August 21, 2011 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Waldron, Arkansas on December 1, 1921. She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas Jefferson and Beulah Gray, her siblings, Buddy, Edna, Delia and T.J. and her two sons Gilbert Lawrence and Ken Starnes II. She is survived by her two daughters Kay Bowers (Dick) and Sally Goldberg (Frank); six grandchildren and eight great-children. Jean graduated from Waldron High School, attended law school in Little Rock and graduated with honors from the American Legion College. She served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and worked in intelligence during World War II. Following her military service she settled in Little Rock, Arkansas where she continued her education worked and married and with her husband Kenneth Starnes raised her 4 children. Following the example of her parents she actively engaged in service to her church and community. Jean was a leader. She established PTAs, was a scout leader, served on the school board, taught and ministered to young people and was a leader in the Arkansas political arena working to affect public policy. Jean had a successful career later in life as a small business owner in Waldron Arkansas before relocating to Houston to be near her family. She continued the path of service with her church in Houston, Memorial Park Ward of the LDS Church, using her wonderful gifts of teaching and managed the church library. Jean gracefully intertwined the loves of her life, her family including her large extended family, her church, nature, music and books. She introduced us to the world and broadened our horizons through her vast knowledge of the scriptures, history, literature, nature and music. Her strong, long abiding faith shaped her life, her children's lives and the lives of countless others. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday August 27th at Martin Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with interment immediately following in Duncan Cemetery. Viewing will be held Saturday, August 27th from 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home Chapel. The family will visit with friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Waldron United Methodist Church.