Nancy Lee Sullivan Starnes

Nancy Lee Sullivan Starnes, 93, of Matthews, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. She was born on May 30, 1930 to Smeades and Pearl Sullivan in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

After graduating from Landis High School in 1948, Nancy was married to her first husband, Lefty Watkins, of Hartsville, South Carolina. Together, they had three daughters: Judy, Deborah, and Trina. Nancy was then married to her second husband, Marshall Starnes. Marshall had three children from his first marriage: Sherry, Marty, and Joyce. Together, Marshall and Nancy had one son, Harry.

Strong, courageous, independent, and determined, Nancy was steadfast in her faith in Christ. Her children would regularly see her reading her Bible and praying, usually early in the morning hours before beginning her day's work. She always set the expectation that her children would be in church, and she allowed no excuses for not getting household chores done. Through it all, she always saw to it that special times would be planned around wonderful food that she prepared and memorable conversations around the table. Nancy had several home churches throughout her life. Most recently, she worshipped at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in Agape activities. Nancy's legacy was her love for the Lord, love for her children and family, and dedicated service to both.

Nancy is preceded in death by her first husband, Lefty Watkins; her second husband, Marshall Starnes; her parents; her brother, Hoyle Sullivan; and her sisters, Faye Hockenberry and Sharon Marlowe.

She is survived by her children, Judy Watkins (William Ferguson), Deborah Watkins (Cathy Stewart), Trina Watkins, and Harry Starnes (Wendy); Marshall's children from his first marriage, Sherry Abel (Ed), Marty Starnes, and Joyce Broome (Richard); her nine grandchildren; her twelve great-grandchildren; her two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Charlene Motley; her brother, Steve Sullivan; and many other loving extended family members.

A Homegoing Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, July 3, 2023 at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, 3316 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews, NC. A visitation will be held prior from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the church. A graveside service will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Pleasant Plains Baptist Church.