The world of football mourns the loss of Cherry Starr, the beloved wife of legendary Alabama and Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr. Cherry, a philanthropist and co-founder of Rawhide Youth Services, passed away peacefully at her Birmingham home at the age.
Cherry Starr Dies At 89
Cherry and Bart Starr’s journey began in high school when they first crossed paths. Cherry, originally planning to attend Auburn University, changed her plans and committed to the University of Alabama, where Bart was making a name for himself as a quarterback under the legendary coach Bear Bryant.
Their love story would span more than 60 years, filled with beautiful memories and shared accomplishments.
Cherry and Bart Starr weren’t just a dynamic duo on the field; they were also impactful philanthropists. Together, they played pivotal roles in starting the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, launching the Starr Children’s Fund, and co-founding Rawhide Youth Services. Their commitment to making a positive difference extended beyond the football arena.
The news release from Rawhide Youth Services states, “She was preceded in death by her husband, Bart Starr (2019), and her son Bret (1988).
She is succeeded by her son Bart Starr, Jr. (Elaena), grandchildren Shannon (Ryan), Jenny, and Lisa, and her six great-grandchildren (Bryan, Teddy, Violet, Dillon, Skyler, and Caden).” Cherry’s legacy as a figurative mother to many will undoubtedly live on through the impact she had on her family and the community.
Former Green Bay Packers Player Bart Starr’s Wife Death
Cherry Starr’s passing brings a somber note to the legacy of not only a loving wife but also a philanthropic partner. Her son, Bart Starr, Jr., revealed that she had been battling cancer for years. The Starr Children’s Fund, an endowment created by the couple to finance childhood cancer research, confirmed her peaceful passing at her home in Birmingham, Alabama.
Cherry and Bart Starr’s commitment to philanthropy extended to serving as honorary chairpersons of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s Golf Classic for an incredible 44 years.
Even after Bart’s passing in 2019, Cherry continued his tradition of writing letters to every starting quarterback in the NFL at the beginning of each season, seeking autographed helmets to auction off during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September.
Despite her battle with illness, Cherry visited Green Bay in 2022, showcasing her unwavering love for the place where her late husband made history. Bart Starr Jr. shared, “To her final breath, she would always talk about how she missed getting up there.”
Her impact extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of those who had the privilege of working with her, as Andrew Brandt, a former Packers vice president of player personnel, attested.
Conclusion
Cherry Starr’s death leaves a void not only in the hearts of her family but also in the broader football community. Her legacy as a philanthropist and a loving wife will be remembered for years to come. As we mourn her passing, let us celebrate the life she lived and the positive impact she made both on and off the field.
