Josephine Starkweather

Josephine Sue Starkweather passed away at Medical Center of Plano, Texas on Mar 2, 2015 surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and loving husband H.C. Starkweather from complications following a stroke. She was 73.

Jo Starkweather was born April 11, 1941 in Oklahoma City to Evert Presley Rhea and Jewel Franklin. An accomplished equestrian whose love of animals began at an early age, she was happiest riding horseback on the trails. She shared her love of four-legged friends with her children, as many orphaned dogs and cats found refuge at their home due to her compassion.



Jo and H.C. were united in marriage on September 15, 1985 and were members of the Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Greenville, Texas, where she loved singing in the choir. An avid reader, Jo loved to learn about many subjects, with biographies and autobiographies among her favorites. Since 2013 she fought a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease with the constant love and support of H.C. and her children.



Mrs. Starkweather was preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by husband H.C.; children Carriejo Durbin-Higgins of Tom Bean, Alan Durbin of Rockwall, Pamela Durbin-Simmons of Dallas and Kyle Durbin of Ovilla; her former spouse Tom Durbin of Mesquite, her children’s father; grandchildren Adrian Rojas, Sheradon Waits, Alex Higgins, Lauren Durbin, Bradley Durbin, Nathan Durbin and Dalton Durbin and great-grandchildren Jameson Waits and Addia Rojas.



Mrs. Starkweather was buried in a private ceremony on March 3, 2015. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in her honor to The Humane Society.