Joyce Ann Starnes

Joyce Ann Starnes passed away on October 11, 2024. Joyce was born on January 28, 1946, in Rison, AR to the late Jewel Lee Morris-Huff and the late Franklin Thomas Etherly. She attended the Public Schools of Independence Kansas.

Joyce married the love of her life, Tommy Dale Starnes on August 1, 1962. To this union birthed two daughters Toni L. Brannon of Fayetteville, NC and Heidi J. Alves of Montgomery, AL. She also had a dearly beloved goddaughter Jessica L. Hammond of St. Louis, MO.

Joyce completed her General Educational Development Certificate in August 1970. She continued her education and received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Independence Community College in September 1971. She attended Kansas State University to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work Services in May 1981.

Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. Her devotion and love did not end there, she was a devoted nurse, social worker, missionary and most of all a disciple of Christ. She loved singing in the choir, shopping, thrifting, traveling, and playing board and card games. And she enjoyed playing the tambourine. She was a faithful member of Pilgrim Baptist Church for many years in all aspects including attending Sunday School, Bible Study, and serving as Youth Director.

Joyce was proceeded in death by her mother, father, husband, and son. She is also proceeded in death by her brother Eric Jerome Etherly and two sisters (cousins) Andrea (Nadine) Jones and Laurette A. Hammond.

Joyce is survived by her beloved daughters; grandchildren, Andrea (Joshua) Chillous of Kingsland GA; Sydney Mychal Brannon of Manhattan, KS; Symone Ayanna Brannon of Fayetteville, NC; 3 great-grandchildren Mason Prince Brannon, Aubrie Jade Chillous, and A’mari Jai Chillous and 2 great-grandsons by love Joshua Taylor Chillous Jr and Adan Christopher

Chillous. She is also survived by her siblings John Lewis Heard and Jeanetta Cherenfant of Manhattan, KS; Franklin (Gale) Etherly of Inglewood, CA; Graylin (Angella) Etherly of Dallas, TX; Deborah Etherly-Whitehead of Flushing, MI; and Rhonda (John) Butler of Flint, MI. Joyce is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hold her memory dear.

Special thank you to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremations, Pilgrim Baptist Church, and the Douglas Center Annex. Also, special thank you to Pastor Anthony Williams Sr., Minister Lois Hanks, Minister Joshua Williams, Pastor Michael Hammond Sr. and Minister Jonathan Walls. Extra special thank you to the Walls – Hammond Family.