Marie Starling Burkett, age 85, of Palemon Nursing Home, Ocilla, GA passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2011 following an extended illness. Mrs. Burkett was born to the late William Aaron and Laura Dale Sears Starling on January 7, 1926 in Hazlehurst, GA. She had worked at Douglas Foods as a line inspector and she was of Baptist faith. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Burkett Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with burial following in the Burkett Church Cemetery. Survivors include: Sons: Lamar (Valerie) Burkett, Omega, GA, Lewis Burkett, Douglas, GA, Alviah (Patricia) Burkett, Douglas, GA; sisters: Doris Cothren, Jacksonville, Fl, Maxine Oliver, Hazlehurst, GA, Jean Smith, McClenney, FL; brothers: Talmadge Starling, St. George, GA, George Starling, Alma, GA; 14 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and other relatives. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Mary 10, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has ask that memorials be made to Burkett Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.