Dorothy L. Stoker-Starks, passed away with her family at her side the early morning of February 14, 2019. Born in Harleton, Texas (near Lake O' the Pines) on September 4, 1942 to John and Valarie Stoker.  She was the third of five siblings. She accepted Christ early in her childhood at the New Prospect Baptist Church, Harleton, TX. After completing her education in the Harleton ISD, the family relocated to Denton, Texas where she graduated from the historic Fred Moore High School.  In 1957, She married the late Tommie Geter, Jr. and moved to South Carolina, to this union four children were born. Upon returning to Dallas, TX, in 1969, she embarked upon a career in the medical field.  She served over forty- five years in the Operating Room as a Certified Surgical Technologist.  In 1973, she married the late Willie George Starks, who proceeded her in death.

During her tenure at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), she mentored many people along the way and was affectionately known as "Mom".  She was instrumental in establishing the Greater Dallas Chapter #1 of Association of Surgical Technologist (AST).  She received numerous awards while employed at VANTHCS.   She also wrote an article in the July 2014 Edition of The Surgical Technologist journal, entitled, "Journey of 45 Years…..Because of Clean Shoes.  She took pride in caring for our nations Veterans and was honored to be of service.  Her favorite past time was sewing and making surgical caps for Operating Room staff/doctors. Mrs. Starks retired from VANTHCS in 2017 with 48 years of service.

She loved her church and community and displayed it daily by feeding the homeless, visiting nursing homes, and organizing educational events.  She gave her time effortlessly towards God's kingdom business.  Affectionately known as "The Saint", she was involved with several ministries, i.e.  Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas (MGBCT) Mission II, Fellowship Missionary Baptist District Association (FMBDA), and her community/civic groups affiliations, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD). She was a proud member of the Alta Mesa Park Baptist Church, Pastor Rev. Dr. H. L. Hollmon and at the time of her passing she was president of the General Missionary Union. Other Past Honors are, "Woman of Excellence" from The Elite News (2007) and "Outstanding Community Leader" from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (2011), to name a few.

Proceeded in death by her two brothers Oscar Stoker and John Stoker, son Derrick L. Geter.  Mrs. Starks leaves to cherish her memory two sons: Darryl L. Geter (Helen); Christopher Geter, and daughter Deatra L. Geter-Childress; two step children Shelia Garrett (Clarence) and David Hughes;  Sister Johnnie Stoker Daniels (Richard) and brother, Welton Stoker (Betty); three grandchildren Darryl Geter, Jr. (Michelle), Sommer Henry (Adrian), Atalyah Young; two step-grandchildren, Crystal and Stephen Garrett and fondly remembered as "GG" to nine great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Known for her "Sunday go-to-meeting" church hats, Dorothy L. Stoker Starks tried to live her life based on her favorite bible verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.