Rhonda Gay Starker

Rhonda Gay Starker, of Jackson, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the age of 54. She was born on Saturday, May 1, 1971, and was a loving and friendly woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. She was blessed with two daughters, Ariel Marie Palmer and Erin Nichole Mitchell. Rhonda is the daughter of the late Russell J. Starker and Erion Gay Starker who survives, she has one brother, Russell J. Starker, Jr., (Heather), one nephew, Rustin Starker and one niece, Avery Starker. Cousins, Julie Drake, Matt Drake, Debbie Drake Meenach, Adam Drake, Taylor Drake Johnson, Brandy Drake and Maddie Drake Pyles. In addition to her father, she is predeceased by her uncles, Ernest Drake and Dr. Tom Drake who was a former minister of Stark United Methodist Church.

Growing up Rhonda enjoyed going to Sunday School and Church with her parents and brother, visiting her grandparents where she learned gardening, Climbing trees and bringing home stray puppies. Rhonda enjoyed gardening and genealogy research she was a member of the Butts County Genealogical Society, Butts County Lions Club, a former member of the William McIntosh Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She found happiness in the simple and meaningful things in life like gardening, going to the beach enjoying the peace of the water and the beauty of the shoreline, along with watching a good television show, and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs.                                     

Rhonda was a proud graduate of Morrow High School, where she laid the foundation for the steady and hardworking life, she would go on to build. She carried herself with quiet strength and a genuine concern for others. While attending Junior High, Rhonda was chosen as one of Morrow Junior High’s most outstanding students for 1986. She was nominated by her science teacher for her work habits, effort, attendance, cooperation, discipline and attitude towards her school and teachers.

Rhonda had been employed as a Medical Coder for Clover, where she was respected for her dedication, reliability, and attention to detail. Rhonda had been spotlighted by the American Association of Professional Coders magazine for her success in the field of medical coding. She mastered the field of examining medical records at each level up to the highest level where she recognized and proved fraud for the government. She had also been president of her chapter of American Association of Professional Coders.

A Funeral Service for Rhonda Gay Starker will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Haisten Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Stark Methodist Church Cemetery. The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home beginning at Noon. Expressions of sympathy may be conveyed by visiting www.haistenfuneral.com

Haisten Funeral home of Jackson is serving the Starker family.

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