Clarice LaVonne Butler-Starks aka “Reese” was born in Akron, Ohio on August 6, 1969, to the union of Frederick R. Butler and Clara Butler. Reece was very close to her great-aunts and grandmother, Geraldine Landis, known by her grandchildren as “Frammie”, she developed her values for Christ, love of fashion and valuing others more than herself. When you saw Reese you saw her little sister. She took her around everywhere she went, and they formed an unshakable bond. 

She joined the Akron Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Pervis C. Chavis at a young age. She joined the choir and she always volunteered wherever she was. 

The birth of her daughter Ebonie on August 30, 1985, brought her so much joy and Reese was set on doing everything she could for her daughter. Working two jobs she managed to graduate a year early from Kenmore High School in 1987. She met Charles Starks Jr., fell in love and together they welcomed their son, Charles Frederick, on Sept. 6. 1989. They were married on August 30, 1996 becoming a loving family. 

She continued her education taking classes at the University of Akron. Following in her father’s footsteps she attended Hamrick Truck Drivers School and obtained her Class A CDL. After working for the Akron Public for the Akron Public School system for seven years she joined her husband driving semi’s as a team cross-country. The Starks team was the highest-ranking team in the whole company. After many years and many miles Reese took a job for the City of Akron in the highway Maintenance Department and was a Level 2 Equipment Operator. She loved her job, whether she was patching a hole or plowing snow. She would give a big smile and wave to everyone she knew.

She volunteered for many years at the Salvation Army, was a member of Second Baptist Church, and she always welcomed people into her home from family to kids in foster care. If you had a need she did everything she could to fix.  She also loved meeting extended family, traveling, wearing hats and her grandchildren. Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, dimples, and personality was always a plus at family gatherings. 

On June 14, 2024, at 3:45 PM her last battle was over. God said ‘Reese’ your work is done, and it is time for you to come home. Surrounded by family and friends she went from labor to her reward. 

She was preceded in death by her best friend Kora Sadler. She leaves to cherish, honor and hold dear her memories husband, Charles E. Stark, Jr.; father, Frederick R. (Patricia) Butler, Rex, GA; mother, Clara Smith;  sister, Crystalynne “Punkin”  Butler, Anthony Collins of Akron, daughter Ebonie Butler of Atlanta, GA.; Son, Charles “Chuck” (Tiara) Butler, step-sister’s Doreen Grandison and Denise (Roosevelt) Favors;  step-brother Tony Grandison, Mississippi; sis-in-law’s Elizabeth (Victor) Eaves and Deneen (Nathan) Woodson, , Father-in-law Charles  (JoAnn) Starks Sr, Akron, Ohio; Great – Uncle’s Edward (Ann) Stevenson and James Portis Sr. of Akron; aunts, Constance Lee, Qwinita Bell and LaNettra Tomlinson of Akron, Ohio; Edith (Calvin) Diggs;  Alma (Donald) Thompson of Robbins, N.C.; , Gary (Nathaniel) Hancock Ralph (Faye) Green Jr., and Robert (Laura) Green of Star, N.C., a Larry (Virginia) Green of Biscoe, NC; Roxie (Marie) Stevenson of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren Delaya, Caitlyn and Christian of Atlanta, Ga., devoted niece and nephews Ryan, RaMonte’ and Raven Butler and numerous family members, and friends.