Betty Jean Hooks Starr

1933 - 2020

Betty Jean Hooks Starr passed away at her Slidell home in the early morning of December 12, 2020. Betty was born to Lee Hooks, Sr. and Mathilda Labourdette Hooks in New Orleans on December 16, 1933. She was a proud member of the Benevolent Knights of America. Betty was an artistic spirit who enjoyed sewing, dancing and creating. These passions transitioned perfectly into her future career as the owner of Betty's Creative Designs, a design firm that created the sequin, bejeweled headpieces and collars for Mardi Gras royalty. She produced costumes for many different krewes, including Choctaw, Venus, Pandora, Selena, Zeus, Cleopatra, Grela, Pegasus, Alla, Iris, and many others. She was a fan of traveling, and she mostly reminisced about her trips to Hong Kong, Branson, Graceland, and the multiple trips to Disney World. Betty held her family close to her heart, and she enjoyed the time spent with them. Be it the time spent making dance costumes for her children's Labourdette Dancing School recitals or the large holiday meals, Betty devoted her energy to providing amazing experiences for her children and grandchildren. Her family will most remember her humor and sharp wit. Betty was quick with a sarcastic response, and she was cracking jokes to the end. Betty was the mother of four exceptional children, Karen Mathews (John), the late John "Bubby" Starr, Jr. (Suzanne), Robin Gutierrez (José), and Kevin Starr. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Jason Mathews (Erin), Joshua Mathews (Kimy), Stacie M Chitwood, John A. Starr, III, Christian Starr (Kim), Justin Gutierrez, Melissa Gutierrez, and Michele Gutierrez. Her great-grandchildren include Mackenzie, Logan, Mardi, Marie, and Maggie. She was preceded in death by her husband John A. Starr, Sr., her son John A. Starr, Jr., her mother Mathilda Labourdette Hooks Gambino, her father Lee Hooks, Sr., her stepfather Michael Gambino, Sr., brother Lee Hooks, Jr. (Elise), brother Kenneth Hooks, Sr. (Beatrice) and multiple step siblings. A memorial mass will take place at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1050 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA, 70458, on Friday, December 18, 2020. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with the funeral mass beginning at Noon. Masks are required for the services. The burial will be a private event. The family is eternally grateful for the love and support bestowed on Betty during her last few months. The staff of the Hospice House provided round the clock care, and Betty was grateful for the kindness of the staff. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to support the Hospice House, P.O. Box 5806, Slidell, La, 70469.