Obituaries

T’Andra Starling, 56, passed away on February 4, 2026. Services will begin with viewing, 11 – 1 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Rodgers-Awkard & Lyons. Funeral will be 12 noon on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive.

T’Andra was the beloved daughter of Linda Starling and Waylon Evans. She was a cherished sister to five sisters and three brothers, a loving mother to her two children, Andre Starling and Jasmine Starling, and a devoted grandmother to her pride and joy, Ja’Mya Starling. Her love for her granddaughter knew no bounds—Ja’Mya held a place in her heart that was truly unmatched. She now reunites in eternal rest with her paternal grandmother, Lorraine Wickliffee; her maternal grandparents, William Starling and Frances Howard; and her beloved brother, William David Evans.

T’Andra was known for her overly playful and extremely goofy personality. She had a laugh that filled rooms, a voice that carried stories, and a presence you could never ignore. She was unapologetically talkative, full of life, and persistent—never giving up on anything she set her mind to. If T’Andra wanted something, she worked for it, believed in it, and made it happen. A lifelong creator, T’Andra was always working on some kind of project—bringing ideas to life, gathering people together, and making memories along the way. She loved family gatherings, dancing, and playing her favorite bumping music with joy and freedom. Her home and heart were always open.

T’Andra also had a deep love for modeling and acting, a passion that brought her confidence, creativity, and joy. She embraced the spotlight and, more importantly, made space for her family in it—taking time to introduce modeling and acting to her children and her granddaughter, encouraging them to explore self-expression, confidence, and creativity alongside her. She was proud of her accomplishments, including earning her Associate degree in Paralegal Studies. Professionally, she served her community with compassion as a medical transporter and later took a bold step by creating her own medical transportation business—another reflection of her determination, independence, and work ethic.

Above all, T’Andra loved her family fiercely. In addition to her children and granddaughter, she shared a special bond with her god-daughter, Tynedra, and was deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to her by her devoted caregiver, Banaz. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Her favorite scripture, one that she lived by, was: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17