Alphonzo Starkey

ALPHONZO STARKEY was born to the late Mary Ruth Harris and Mose Starkey on February 16, 1944 in Cincin- nati OH. He was called home to Jesus on October 2, 2020.

He confessed his life to Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church in downtown Cincinnati. He was educated in the Cincinnati Public Schools. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for the Ford Motor Co., but his passion in life started when he was introduced to cosmetology and barbering. He graduated from the Poro School of Beauty in Cincinnati in 1972. His career spanned over 35 years, opening major salons across the U.S. and working abroad for companies such as Revlon, L’oreal, Soft Sheen and Dudley Products to name a few. He was one of the most sought after platform stylist of his era, even styling for the first Ms. Black Universe and the Bobby Jones Gospel Show among other celebrities. He opened up his own salon, Shaping Shears in Nashville, TN. In 1979, he also created Emerald Hair Care Products in 1985. His accomplishments are too vast to include all, but the one that was most important to him was becoming an ordained Minister in 1995. He lived a life of Christ performing sermons when he could until he was called to be by the Lord’s side.

Alphonzo is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Marlisha Starkey; son, Alphonzo Starkey II; sister, Thelma Kinley; brothers, Mose Starkey, Jr., Daniel Bass and great-grandson, Ja’quan Daymond Howard.

Alphonzo leaves to cherish his memory: brothers, Robert Starkey, Meldon Starkey, David Bass and Javaka Starkey; children, Lisa McDonald (Eric), Rodney, Aretha Washington, Tyrone Burke, Curtis, Landon and Christian Starkey; and a host of grandkids, great-grandkids and many relatives and friends.
 

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