Mary Jane Starnes, 71, of Chrisman, IL, formerly of Senatobia, MS passed away March 3, 2025.

Mary was born to Archie and Jane Wilson Starnes in Memphis TN. She has one brother, Joe Starnes.

Mary grew up in Memphis most of her life until per parents had inherited some land in Coldwater, Mississippi and moved there after her high school graduation.

Mary’s first job was working as a Social Studies grades 7-12 teacher at Hillcrest Academy in Coldwater. She stated that she loved the job because she had all of the holidays off but did not care for this job as she had a hard time disciplining the children. She always said she just could not do it.

Mary went to college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi University for Women, a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Memphis and a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Tennessee.

After graduating college Mary accepted a position at the Danville Library and was the head of the Over Outreach program. This department distributed books to those that were unable to attain them such as elderly, or prisoners. Mary worked in this position for over 12 years.

Mary enjoyed  spending her days working on word search books, jigsaw puzzles, watching tv and visiting with her roommate, family and friends that she made at Pleasant Meadows in Illinois where she was currently living.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Magnolia Cemetery in Coldwater, MS.