Ara Starnes

Ara June Starnes, 90, of Tyler, formerly of Mineola, died in Tyler on October 7, 2011. June was born on July 12, 1921 in Mineola to the late Junie Pritchett Williamson and Joseph Alonzo Williamson. She was a resident of Mineola for 86 years, attending Mineola Schools and graduated from Mineola High School. June married Doyle D. Starnes, Sr., of Mineola on December 21, 1940. She was a homemaker, raised two sons and helped her husband on the family farm for many years. Upon her husband’s death in 1977, June was appointed to fill his position as Wood County Commissioner of Precinct 2. She later ran for that office and was the first woman to be elected as a County Commissioner in Wood County. June served her community in that capacity for five years. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, board member of the Mineola City Cemetery and was a lifelong and faithful member of the Mount Enterprise Baptist Church in Mineola. June was a gentle and kind lady. Her life was characterized by concern for and service to others, integrity and a strong Christian faith. She was devoted to her family, to her friends and to her community. June was an outstanding cook, sharing that talent with countless ones. She was also a gifted seamstress and gardener. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; stepmother, Agnes Butler Williamson; son, Joseph Barry Starnes; and sisters, Lois Williamson Fouse and Ann Williamson Adams. June is survived by her son, Doyle D. Starnes, Jr. and his wife Beth of Tyler. Grandchildren are Taylor Starnes of Dallas, Laura Adcock and her husband Kevin of Mineola. She is also survived by a great-grandson, Joey Hammers of Mineola and nephews, Donald Adams and Joe Adams of Tulia, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Highway 37 North in Mineola, Texas with Bro. Kenn Somerville officiating. The family wishes to express deepest thanks to the staffs of Azalea Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care and Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving and generous care. If desired, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Alliance, 211 Winchester Drive, Tyler, Texas 75701 or the charity of one’s choice.

Ara Starnes

July 12, 1921 - October 7, 2011