She was the younger of two daughters and was born not long after her father died. Her elementary education was at St. Joseph Academy and St. Joseph Parochial School in Baton Rouge. In September 1951 after graduating from high school at St. Joseph Academy in Baton Rouge, she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans. She received the habit March 19, 1952, pronounced first vows March 20, 1953 and final vows August 15, 1956. Sister “Willie” as she was affectionately known, continued her education at Loyola University of the South in New Orleans, LA, and obtained a BS in Ed.
She was an educator with ministry assignments that included both teaching and administration in diocesan schools in Louisiana until she was named Administrator of the Congregation Provincial House in New Orleans in 1973-1981. Further service to the Congregation began in 1984 when she began working in the Congregation Development Office in New Orleans. She held this position until 1996 when she retired due to illness. After Katrina destroyed the facilities in New Orleans, Sister William moved to Wichita and made her home in Joseph Hall at the Wichita Center of the Congregation. She was preceded in death by her parents and her only sister, Mary Lillian Starring. She is survived by nephews Mark and Matt Starring, and niece Julie Chapman.
The Homecoming will be Friday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Wake service at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. all at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Dear Neighbor Ministries, Inc., or the Retirement Fund of the Sisters of St. Joseph,
3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218.
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