Mrs. Farrell Thomas Starnes, age 97 of Ellijay, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14th, 2025.

Mrs. Starnes was born on December 15th, 1927 in Dalton, GA to the late Samuel "Sam" Thomas and the late Lucy Patterson Thomas. She was a woman of unwavering faith and profound dedication to her community that she loved so dearly.

Mrs. Starnes was the proud owner of Starnes Rexall Drugs in Ellijay, where she played a key role in serving the health needs of her community for many years. As a devout Christian, she served the Lord faithfully throughout her life, becoming an integral part of the First Baptist Church of Ellijay. Mrs. Starnes' commitment to her community extended beyond her spiritual life where she was involved in several organizations, including the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce, the Gilmer Lions Club, and the Gideon International Lady Auxiliary. Her selfless contributions to her community were recognized when she was named Gilmer County's Citizen of the Year, a testament to the love and respect she earned from those around her. Mrs. Starnes' legacy of service, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to Mrs. Starnes's parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Mr. Hubert Roger Starnes; grandson, Kylan Starnes Warren; five brothers, R.S. Thomas, John Thomas, Sr., Gene Thomas, Albert Thomas, and Don Thomas, and sister, Thelma Souther.

Mrs. Starnes is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Candra (Kenny) Warren of Ellijay and Chela (Jim) Bailey of Ellijay; four granddaughters and their husbands, Melinda (Kris) Fonteboa, Mary Melissa (Andrew) Hall, Kennedi (Benjamin) Kirkland, and Melody (Daniel) Suarez; twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Starnes will be held on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Ellijay with Dr. David Drake and Pastor, Rev. Josh Moyers officiating. Rev. Scott Eaton will conduct the music. Graveside Interment will follow in the Yukon Cemetery. The following gentlemen will be serving as Pall Bearers: Andrew Hall, Kris Fonteboa, Daniel Suarez, Benjamin Kirkland, Isaiah Hall, Drayvin Fonteboa, Zion Hall, and Lucas Suarez. Honorary Pall Bearers will be: John William Thomas, Jr., Joe Kelly McCutchen, Alene Wimpey, Bonnie Read, and Maria Walker.

Mrs. Starnes will lie-in-state on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour of 4:00 p.m at the First Baptist Church of Ellijay Fellowship Hall.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in her memory to the Douglas West and Kylan Warren Memorial Fund C/O Mr. Scott Sharp at 1095 Talona Mountain Rd. Ellijay, GA 30536.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Mrs. Starnes' caregivers, Alene Wimpey, Bonnie Read, and Maria Walker, who took wonderful care of her.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.