Nina Sue Starkey, age 81, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026 in Joplin.

The daughter of Robert Barron Jones and Della Mae (Flippo) Jones was born July 29, 1944 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Nina graduated from Harrison High School and worked as a secretary at the family business, Joplin Transport, for several years. She has lived in Joplin for the past 38 years, moving there from Cassville, Missouri.

Nina loved to travel, Hawaii was always her favorite place to visit. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Roy Starkey in 2020, an infant son, Christopher James Starkey; a brother, Robert Dennis Jones and half sister, Marie Jones Thompson.

Nina is survived by her son, Todd Starkey and wife Poppi and her daughter, Michele Starkey all of Joplin; her sister, Judy Waggoner of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Webb, Brittany Phillips, Tyler Starkey, Jessica Dietz, and Hailey Tweedy, twelve great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 26 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Graveside service will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery at 11 AM.

Pallbearers are Tyler Starkey, Chris Rhodes, Ryan Tweedy, Jeffrey Webb, Jason Cryer, and Benny Starkey.