Starla Denee Willison

Starla was the first child born to Helen A. (Toni) and William (Bill) L. Barrett. She was born on December 22, 1958, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She left this world, for her spiritual resting place to wait on Yashua, Jesus Christ 2nd coming, on January 23, 2020, at her home in Sanger, Texas.

Starla is survived by her husband, Blake; 2 children, her daughter Mandi and her 3 children Mariah, Micah, and Max; son Dylan with his 4 children Reagan, Autumn, along with Mitchell, and Madison; and our daughter-in-law Brandy; step-son and wife, Beau and Ana with our newest grandson Jackson; mother Toni; brother and wife, Mike and Amber with their 2 children Mikayla and Logan; mother-in-law, Marsha; brother-in-law and wife, Bret and Toni; sister-in-law and husband, Brenda and Mark; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Starla spent her youthful years in the Oklahoma City area. She enjoyed playing piano, arts, cooking, cheerleading, and most of all helping others.

In 1979, she was united in marriage to Randall Tennyson. To this union, their 2 beloved children were born. Dylan and Mandi.

Starla and Blake attended the same church in their youth and in 2001, they rekindled their friendship. They discovered that they were soulmates and in 2002, Starla and Blake were married. They found that they had many common interests. Both loved to travel and they went on many fabulous trips. They both loved to fish. Starla could out fish Blake, whether it was the most fish or the biggest.

Starla was also an artist. She painted many memories from their travels. She blessed many of us with her gift of paintings. We will cherish these forever.

Starla worked very hard at her profession. She ended her career as a manager of document processing/control at Carrollo Engineering in Dallas, Texas. She was even able to help Blake out with his computer skills. They were quite a team! She made many friendships through her work. Many of them came to visit her over the last few years, and many, many more who wrote to her to share how she had touched their lives in so many amazing ways!

Some of her happiest years were spent with her grandchildren. When her granddaughter, Mariah, came to live with them. They formed a bond like no other. She was very proud of each one of them…The grandchildren were able to spend these last few weeks, giving comfort to her.

Several years ago, Blake was diagnosed with cancer. She took the best care of him. She even worked from home so that she could be by his side.

Starla had a profound love for our God and creator and his son, Yashua, Jesus Christ. She and Blake spent a majority of their time studying His Word, the Bible. Her prayers were that she could touch people’s hearts and make the world a more God respecting and God-loving place. Her wish is that more people will start to develop a deeper and personal relationship or walk with God and teach their children to know him.

When Starla, realized it was not about her will that mattered, but God’s will that we should trust in. Toni Willison asked if she could put a prayer request on Facebook. Starla said yes but not for healing but for mercy and comfort. She said she was already healed by the blood that Yashua Jesus the Christ shed for each of us.

She also shared 2 scriptures that gave her comfort.

Luke 21:36 - Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man.

Rev 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from the labours; and their works do follow them.

Our Father answered those prayers.

If you would like to reach out to Blake personally, you may do so at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to: AccentCare Hospice Foundation, c/o Dena Schwartz-Doty, President, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75287, or Justgiving.com and search AccentCare to make a credit card memorial donation.

The family will be at Coker Funeral Home off and on during the times of 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Monday, January 27, 2020.  The family will have a private service on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.