Betty Shepherd Starnes

Betty Shepherd Starnes, 80, of Hickory, passed away on Sunday, March 03, 2013, at Catawba Regional Hospice. Born in Catawba County on July 16, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Garnie Norman Shepherd and Martha Bumgarner Shepherd . She was a member of First Advent Christian Church and retired as previous owner of Master Tax Bookkeeping Service.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Keith Dewey Starnes; and brother “Little Buddy Shepherd”.

Betty is survived by her children, Leigh S. Edwards, of Hickory, Jill Starnes Brown and husband Bob of Morganton, Lori S. Duckworth and husband Jerry of Hickory, Keith “Skip” Starnes Jr. and wife Paula of Mocksville and Amy S. Crocker and husband Gary of Wilmington; eight grandchildren, two step- grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Ward and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory with Rev. Dennis Spivey and Chaplain Ken Swanson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorials may be given to First Advent Christian Church, 1941 N. Center St., Hickory, NC 28601 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.