Shirley Owsley Starnes

Mrs. Shirley (Owsley) Starnes, 70, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at her home in Ocean Springs, MS. She was the daughter of Howard and Demerle Owsley of Lanett, AL. Mrs. Starnes was a retired school teacher. She began her teaching at Chambers Academy (7th grade) then served and retired from her early childhood teaching career from Chattahoochee County Education Center in GA. She received a BS degree from Columbus State University, a Masters degree from Troy University and a 6-year degree from Columbus State University. Each year she was recognized as a member of the National Academic Honors Sorority for Educators. Mrs. Starnes was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs and also a former member of Plant City Baptist Church, Lanett, AL and First Baptist Church of Shawmut. She was an active volunteer for “Lord is My Help” in Ocean Springs and Christian Service Center in Lanett, AL following Hurricane Katrina. Shirley is survived by her husband of 34 years, Ronald Starnes; two daughters, Toni Taylor (Kevin) of Valley, AL and Jeri Ann Holladay also of Valley, AL; son, Jeff Leavens (Karmen) of Valley, AL; step daughter, Kathy Stayner-Wiggs of Sarasota, FL; step son, Steven Starnes of Nashville, TN; sister, Marie Smith of Lanett, AL; two brothers, Lynn Owsley of Nashville, TN and Gerald Owsley of Ashland City, TN and seven grandchildren, Chris Taylor(Crystal) of Montgomery, AL, Heather Roberts (Matt) of Valley, AL and Ryan Taylor of Valley, AL, Danielle and Peyton Holladay both of Valley, AL, Laney and Olivia Leavens also of Valley, AL. Her only great-granddaughter, Emma Taylor of Montgomery, AL. Shirley will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs, MS. A celebration of her life will be on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Gulf Oaks Townhouses, Club House in Ocean Springs, MS. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, MS Chapter, 1900 Dunbarton Dr., Suite H, Jackson, MS 39216 or Christian Service Center in Lanett, AL. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is in charge of arrangements.