Mary Jane Starnes

She was born May 12, 1932, in Grand Rapids, to Ken and Evelyn Cox.

Mrs. Starnes is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Lees Starnes; daughters, Cathy Nixon (Scott) of Centennial, Colo., Carole Steffes (Kevin) of Evans, Ga., and Suzie Starnes Ternes of Grosse Pointe Woods; grandchildren, Jeffry Nixon (Meredith), Kelsy Nixon, James Nixon, Brendon Steffes, Michelle Steffes, Jacob Ternes and Grace Ternes; brother, Kenneth Edward Cox Jr. (Marilyn) of Holland; brother-in-law, Douglas James Starnes of Clinton Township and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Starnes earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in education. She worked at the Sheppard Pratt School in Towson, Md., and Ann J. Kellogg School in Battle Creek, and also as a kindergarten teacher at Poupard Elementary in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. A music lover and always singing, she was a member of Tuesday Musicale of Detroit and sang in the chancel choirs at both Lake Shore Presbyterian Church in St. Clair Shores and First Presbyterian Church, “The Pink Church,” in Pompano Beach, Fla.

She was the volunteer music director for both the American Association of University Women chorus and Lake Shore Presbyterian Church Youth Choir. Mary Jane was a Master Gardener and past president of Deeplands Garden Club. She also volunteered for the Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestra in Michigan and North Broward Hospital in Pompano Beach.

She and her husband, Bob, traveled extensively and visited all five continents. Her family said her priority in life, however, was being a loving, dedicated wife, mother and friend.

A celebration of Mrs. Starnes’ life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48081-1394.