Tyronda Beatrice Katherine Starks (Tai), was born on August 14, 1987, in the vibrant city of San Francisco to the loving embrace of Sandra Jenkins and Tyrone Starks. She brought joy and light to their lives from the moment she arrived.

 Raised in a Christian home, she attended Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, where she flourished spiritually under the leadership of Bishop LC Patton. While at Jerusalem, she participated in the Sunshine Band, sang in the youth choir, and participated as a Junior Usher on the Junior Usher Board. She shared the same birthday with Bishop Patton and he always remembered her with a special gift. After his transition, she joined the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, under the pastoral care of Pastor Ronald Smith, where she remained an active member until moving to Atlanta. In 2013, Tai and her sister Pamela joined Cascade United Methodist Church. Tai participated in a few ministries at CUMC, however, her most beloved ministry was the Children’s Church Ministry. 

Tai's academic educational journey began at Fairmount Elementary School, followed by Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Middle School. In 2005, she graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School. 

Tai's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue higher education at Clark Atlanta University, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Her passion for making a difference in the world, led her to further her studies, earning a Master's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in NonProfit Management. Her journey in life was marked by remarkable achievements and profound connections with those around her. 

At the tender age of 5, Tai unearthed her passion for tennis, swiftly honing her skills with the guidance of exceptional instructors throughout her schooling years. Her talent caught the eye of Clark Atlanta University, propelling her to new heights in the sport. 

Under this mentorship, Tai not only cultivated her expertise but also developed a fervor for coaching, earning numerous accolades and becoming a sought-after speaker at prestigious tournaments like the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford University. Certified by PTR, (Professional Tennis Registry) she became a professional tennis coach in San Francisco and Atlanta. This led to her coaching at the Boys and Girls Club of America, the YMCA, Coretta Scott King Middle School, Spelman College, and several tennis parks and recreational centers in San Francisco, Oakland, and Metro Atlanta. Tai later became a USPTA Professional and Specialist, fostering enduring connections with tennis enthusiasts nationwide. 

At the age of 26, she founded the nonprofit organization "Exceeding the Needs Tennis," further demonstrating her commitment to uplifting her community through her passion for tennis and youth development. 

Tai's legacy as an educator and mentor shines brightly. Her career spanned private, and public schools as well as, church ministries, where she poured her heart into nurturing young minds. Her unparalleled devotion to understanding children with special needs left an indelible mark on all those she encountered. 

Throughout her life, Tai was a beacon of compassion and dedication. She touched countless lives through her work as an educator. Despite all of her remarkable accomplishments, she would tell you that her greatest achievement was being a mother to her daughter ZaMora. 

 In 2015, Tai met Harold McKibbins of Atlanta, GA. As a result of this relationship, on January 19, 2018, her cherished daughter and the ultimate love of her life, ZaMora was born. 

As a single mother, Tai's love knew no bounds. Her daughter, ZaMora is the embodiment of her unwavering dedication and tenderness. Tai's selflessness, kindness, and boundless affection will forever resonate within ZaMora's heart, ensuring that Tai's legacy of love lives on through her. 

In addition to her Zamora, Tai shared an unbreakable bond with her sister older sister, Pamela. Their inseparability was beyond words—they were each other's constant companions, doing everything together. After the loss of their parents, Pamela embraced the responsibility of raising Tai from the tender age of 10, further cementing their unbreakable bond. 

Tai's adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, visiting numerous countries across five continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. Her favorite places to visit were West Africa, Brazil, and Cuba. 

In addition to her academic and career pursuits, Tai embraced entrepreneurship as a serial innovator. Among her ventures was T & Z Sweets, a flourishing food truck business she co-founded with her beloved/beautiful ZaMora. Unfortunately, her thriving enterprise faced challenges as her health began to decline. 

On February 15, 2024, Tai peacefully entered into God's Kingdom, after bravely battling renal failure. 

 Tai is survived by her beloved daughter, ZaMora Sandra Lynette Starks-McKibbins, her devoted sister, Dr. Pamela Jenkins, and her half-brother, Tyja Starks. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Beatrice and Felix Moore, Sr., and Katherine Walker and James Starks, Sr., as well as her parents, Sandra Jenkins and Tyrone Starks. 

Her vibrant spirit and contagious laughter endeared Tai to people from all walks of life, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, selfless service, unlimited kindness, and overflowing generosity that will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by her presence. She was a beacon of inspiration for all who knew her and were touched by her presence and will be deeply missed.

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