Sybil Mackorell Starnes

Charlotte - Mrs. Sybil Mackorell Starnes, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House. Sybil was born June 7, 1927, a daughter of the late Emma and Theodore Mackorell. She graduated from Gastonia High School in 1946. She attended Montreat College and graduated as a Bible major from Erskine College in 1950. While working in the Registrar’s Office at Davidson College, she met her husband, faculty member William R. Starnes, Jr. Sybil and Bill were married December 29, 1951 at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia. Sybil devoted her life to her husband and her five children, creating a loving and happy home. One of her greatest joys was being MomMom to her 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was an active member of Sharon Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

Sybil was predeceased by her husband of 43 years. She is survived by her five children: Susan Starnes Morrison of Atlanta, GA; Wm. David Starnes (Anne) of Georgetown, SC; Jane Ellen Starnes of Charlotte; Timothy Reese Starnes (Sheila) of Huntersville, NC; and Joanne Starnes Hylinski (Chris); twelve grandchildren: Lauren Morrison Short (Will) of Alpharetta, GA, Ted Morrison of Gainesville, GA; Wm. Reese Starnes, III, Myles M. Starnes, and Anne Eileen Starnes of Georgetown, SC; Anna Starnes Welham (Tom) of Bury St. Edmunds, England, Carley Rachel Starnes, Mara Blair Starnes, and Emma Rose Starnes of Huntersville, NC; Grace Ellen Hylinski, Charlotte Anne Hylinski, and Hope Elizabeth Hylinski of Charlotte; one great-grandson, Harrison Short; siblings: Betty Sime, James Mackorell, and David Mackorell; brother-in-law: Robert Hall Starnes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The service to honor her life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Sharon Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial in the church cemetery will be private for the family.

A true child of God, Sybil persevered selflessly throughout her long widowhood and battle with Parkinson’s Disease, inspired, directed and guided by her love for, and faith in, our Almighty Father.

The family extends their deep appreciation to the Sharon Towers nurses and nursing assistants, as well as the activities, dining, maintenance and reception desk staff, who daily provided Sybil their kind care. Becky McCauley was as much her friend as her hair stylist. Sybil’s Sharon Towers neighbors, several of whom are also Sharon Presbyterian Church members, were a constant source of support and encouragement.

Memorials may be made to Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.