Wanda Starkey, 84, of Athens, TN passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

She was a faithful member of Goodsprings Baptist Church and a beloved pillar of the Goodsprings community. For 30 years, she drove a school bus for McMinn County Schools, viewing her job as a ministry and using that time to share the love of Jesus with the children she served.

She loved the outdoors and enjoyed building, painting, gardening, flowers, and especially woodworking. She was a hardworking, caring woman whose faith, kindness, and love touched countless lives. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to her church, her community, and the many children she influenced throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by husband, Dewey Starkey; son, Travis Wayne Starkey; parents, Bob and Alice Buckner; son-in-law, Zane Gibson; great-grandson, Neyland Wayne Evans; three brothers; three sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Starkey Gibson; dearly loved adopted son, Andy Russell, grandchildren and spouses, Brad and Cristy Atkins, Kayla Bradford, Martin and Alex Evans; great-grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer and Austin Moates, Meadow and Zach Bennett, Annabelle Morgan, Jameson Bradford; great-great grandchildren, Ashton, Myla, Tacion “Boog”, Lennon, Riley, Eli; brothers, Robert C. Buckner; sisters, Nina Croft, Joyce Stewart.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Cook officiating.

Family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Goodsprings Cemetery.