Barbara Cresap Starling

Barbara Cresap Starling, a longtime resident of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on July 16, 2023, at the age of 83. She was a native of Canton, Mississippi, born on December 30, 1939.
Barbara leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her daughter, Sheryl Merritt Starling, LCSW; her grandson and love of her life, Holden Christian Merritt; three sisters, Nina Cresap, Eileen Lewis, and Louise Geubelle; her German shepherd and loyal companion, Tundra; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends, all of whom she loved greatly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Starling who was a captain for Delta Airlines; her son, Kenneth Ord Starling, DDS; and her parents, John Ord Cresap and Lillie Belle Cresap.
Barbara was a talented musician and a lead singer in dance bands beginning at the age of 7. After high school graduation, she was offered a band scholarship to Mississippi State University. Although Barbara loved all genres of music, her favorites were opera and classical. She was also a gifted poet and had an eye for antiques. She was the owner of Barbara's Victorian Closet in Slidell. Barbara was an avid Saints fan and loved watching them play on Sundays with her son, Ken.
She is Gone
by David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com