Ernestine Garrett Starnes

Ernestine Garrett Starnes, age 70, of 20116 Highway 221 North, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 15, 2008. She courageously fought pancreatic cancer for sixteen months.

She was born in Laurens County and was a daughter of the late Ernest and Clara Bramlett Garrett. She graduated from Ford High School in 1955. Always the overachiever, she excelled in school and her excellent grades qualified her to be a member of Beta Club. Ernestine’s greatest loves were her church, her family, her work, and her friends. She attended Sunday school and worship services at Bethlehem Union Church. She loved her pastor and all members of the church family, but the children of the church held a special place in her heart. Every Christmas she surprised each child with a gift.

Ernestine, better known as Tine, was the owner of Tine’s Tax Service, formerly known as Grump & Grouch. She believed in treating each person who walked through the door with kindness. Tax season was one of the highlights of her life and she looked forward to seeing each person again. Tine never met a stranger and had a knack for making everyone feel like her best friend. She enjoyed traveling, flower gardening, and watching games shows.

Surviving are two daughters, Evonne Starnes Benjamin of Laurens and Renee Starnes of Myrtle Beach; seven grandchildren, Brooklyn and John-Walter Benjamin, and Chelsea, Jordan, Garrett, Padan, and Bridger Starnes; and two sisters, Marjorie McElhannon of Reedsport, Oregon and Elizabeth Parris of Pensacola, Florida.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, September 18th at 3:00 p.m. in the Gray Funeral Home chapel with burial in the Laurens City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gray Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.
The family will be at the home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens