Eleanor Starnes Grass

She was born in Mecklenburg County to the late John Starnes and Ruth Todd and raised in the Hoskins area of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Eleanor, from a young age, loved music. This was fostered at McGee Presbyterian Church where her Christian faith was developed.

She graduated from Harding High School in 1957 and went on to obtain a degree in education from Queens College in Charlotte. Throughout her time at Queens, she was active in the performing and musical arts as well as in her sorority, to which she made enduring friendships that lasted until her death.

Eleanor had a career as an elementary school teacher that spanned five decades. She began her career at Myers Park Elementary and retired from Pawtuckett Elementary. Upon retirement, she went back to the classroom as a teaching assistant with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools until her health no longer allowed. Teaching was truly a passion. She loved children and saw the best in them. She realized that education was the key to their futures and worked tirelessly to hone their strengths and skills. She welcomed all children with open arms and fostered a love for learning for hundreds. Her creativity, cheerful and genuine nature, energy, and caring heart encouraged and educated a generation in the classroom, community, and the church.

Eleanor also had a passion for music. She was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and organist. She was sought after as a vocalist in numerous weddings, funerals, and performances. Her rendition of The Lord's Prayer brought Matthew Chapter 6, verses 1-18, off of the pages of the Bible and directly into the hearts of the hearers.

She shared her musical talent as an organist and Choir Director at Nevin and Thomasboro Presbyterian Churches in Charlotte as well as an interim at many others. Later in her adult life, she was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, where she also shared her musical giftings.

Eleanor was an avid gardener, an impeccable homemaker with a keen eye for decorating, and an enthusiastic host. She intentionally and thoughtfully opened her home to friends and family for beautiful dinners, receptions, parties, and luncheons. She enjoyed the beach, reading, cooking, decorating, and treasured antiques and the stories they told. She cherished her long-standing friendships, but her greatest loves were her family and making memories to last a lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, M.W. Grass, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Leigh Anne Owen, and husband, Chris, of Gastonia, NC; son, David Grass, and wife, Kelly, of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren Hunter Owen, Savannah Owen, Micheala Owen, Brannon Grass, and Baylee Grass, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 102 S. Central Avenue, Belmont, NC 28012. https://www.fpc-belmont.org/