Mahleik S. Starling

Mahleik S. Starling, born March 12, 1994, departed this life on February 19, 2013. He attended Syracuse City Schools where he loved to play basketball. He was a high spirited young man who was loved and will be missed by many. He was predeceased by his father, Orson Starling; grandmother, Thelma Starling; great-grandmother, Elizabeth Jackson and great-great-grandmother, Martha Jackson. He leaves to cherish his memory and life, his mother, Leshonda Acquah; step-father, Kodwo Acquah; two daughters, Ahjia, and Mahlani; his companion, Wilisha Gary; sisters, Ama Acquah and Shakeia; brothers, Kharel, Justin, Adair and Lloyd; maternal grandparents, Martha and Johnnie L. Thomas, Sr.; paternal grandfather, Benjamin Starling; five aunts, Kim (Tyrone) Burke, Felecia Thomas and Saquest Tull all of Syracuse, Brenda (Larry) Steele of Tampa, Florida and Tasha Hunter of New York City, New York; six uncles, Johnny Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Cleavern Starling, Cedric (Keneesha) Alford, Benny (Tasha) Kemp and Sean (Shaquoya) Howard all of Syracuse, New York and Daryll Willoughby of Detroit, Michigan; his favorite great-aunt, Bambi Jackson; great-uncles, Lorenzo (Coria) Jackson, Monroe (Sherry) Sullivan, Tyrone (Robin) Jackson and George (Joslyn) Sullivan; adoptive aunts, Robin Hightower, Lori Hightower, Delores McGrew and Melissa Powers; godmothers, Tracey Gadson and Melesa Murray; as well as a host of cousins, friends and extended brothers, they know who they are. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Avenue, Syracuse, New York with a funeral service immediately following at 12 p.m. in the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Services entrusted to A. Dewitt Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.