Services have been announced for Dr Jeanel Starling, a cherished educator and pastor in Milford. She passed away on Monday, September 14 after a short illness.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 25 from 6 to 8 PM, and on Saturday, September 26 from 9 AM to 11 AM. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 23115 Slaughter Neck Road in Lincoln. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at Old Hickory Cemetery, 8982 Herring Branch Road, Lincoln.
Starling served as a teacher and administrator with Milford School District and the University of Delaware for more than three decades. She was also an ordained lay leader for the Peninsula Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The first African American female principal in Milford, Starling was also the founder, along with her sister, Roslyn Harris, of the Slaughter Neck Community Action Tutorial Program and was the firs coordinator of the Southern Delaware Teacher Education Program with the University of Delaware. The program assisted teachers in passing the Praxis.
Starling remained active with her family’s gospel group, The Daniels Family Singers as well as many professional organizations.
Condolences poured in from the community when news of her death was announced.
“So very sorry to learn of Rev. Dr. Jeanelle L Sterling’s passing,” Marva Thomas said. “Oh what a Wonderful Lady to have known her. Extending my Sincere Condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace!”
Lori Bradley Turner shared that Starling had been her first grade teacher and expressed condolences to her family.
“Dr. Starling, a woman that positively impacted my life in a profound way at a very young age,” Cinia Willis said. “She was one of a kind. 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Rest well! My condolences to the family!”
Stephanie Hicks Willett commented that Starling had a “heart for people.”
“Wow…this one hurts deep…Pastor Starling was always a pivotal part in my spiritual and personal development,” Jordan Showell said. “She is sorely missed and prayers to the family..life is fleeting, so we have to make sure we love on our people more and continue to get closer with God.”
Amanda Reynolds commented that she was very sorry to hear the news about Starling, remembering her as a lovely woman.
“God called a beautiful angel home,” Terri Hudson said. “Though a devastating loss to our community. I will continue to keep Mr. Starling and the family in my prayers”
