Starshell Stange

Starshell Stange, bka Florence Gillard (Boots), was the only child of the late Hollis and Florence Gillard. She was born February 19, 1925 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on Monday, July 30, 2007, after a lengthy illness.She cherished and shared many memories about growing up in a large family with her family members and friends. At the age of three her mother took her to the shoe store and fitted her for a pair of white boots that she apparently fell in love with. Star refused to take them off. She was told she cried and cried, slept in the boots and earned the nickname “Boots.” They undoubtedly loved and spoiled her unconditionally.Starshell received her education at Dunbar High School in Baltimore City. Later on in life she attended Apex Cosmetology School and graduated with honors, receiving her Master’s License. In her late twenties she opened, operated and owned her very first beauty salon, however, her passion was singing solo. Star (Boots) passionately loved to sing the blues… Billy Holiday, Sara Vaughn, Nancy Wilson and many others. She entered a Billy Holiday Talent Show back in the early seventies and came in 2nd place. What a momentum that was for all of us! She was always sassy and jazzy with beautiful short and long red hair, stunning glamour, nice hats and fancy belts. She stayed sharp, you never knew if she was coming in or going out! She was our “Super Star!”She was a member of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Catholic Church and was inducted as an Honorary Member of SFX Saturday Night Special Choir. She attended Mass faithfully until the road became rough and too tough to endure. She also attended Keswick Adult Day Care, where she was loved very much and adored attending Mary Kay meeting with her daughter. On a good day, she was selling Mary Kay! Starshell (Boots) was a strong expressive black woman who survived two marriages terminated through the way of divorce. She was self-employed approximately twenty-five years managing and operating her own beauty salon for many years. She retired in the late sixties/early seventies. Her intentions were to pursue a new career as Vocalist and travel after her children became independent. She devoted her life as caring and loving grandmother. Her dream as a Vocalist remained a dream, never reaching a reality and then Jesus came and took her like a thief in the night. She’s looking upon us singing gracefully for the Lord in the “Big Choir” in Heaven.Starshell (Boots) was a devoted dedicated daughter (remained faithful to her deceased mother), wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend to many. She absolutely loved, clothed, housed, fed and touched the lives of so many, many people. Some called her “Mama Boots” because she shared so much wisdom and love. She’ll be missed for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, parking and talking and of course her beautiful “Billy Holiday” voice. She lived a full life, supported everybody dearly and would give you her last anytime, all the time. Her heart was so, so big. Starshell (Boots) you were truly “Miss Go Give!”She leaves to cherish her memory: one pre-deceased son, James Leroy Gillard; two devoted daughters, Vanda and Wyona Chambers; eight grandchildren, Jackie, Tony, Renee, Darren, Jimaya, Lazonni, Lakeya and Lakel; twelve great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; devoted daughter-in-law, Jackie Gillard; devoted first cousin, Anita Paige; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Starshell Stange

February 19, 1925 - July 30, 2007