Mary Ellen Parker "Tootsie" Starnes

Church Hill – Mary Ellen Parker “Tootsie” Starnes, 79 of Church Hill, gained her wings and flew high on the mountain to be with the Lord early Monday morning on Monday, November 18, 2019 at her residence following a brief illness. Born in Kingsport, she had been a resident of Church Hill since 1960. She was a retired registered nurse having worked at Holston Valley Community Hospital. Her passion was her extended family with Chip Hale Center where she gave heart and soul. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Church Hill. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-aunt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lawrence Milburn Starnes; son, Lawrence Tony Starnes; parents, Harry and Hazel Parker; brother, Roy Parker; special sister-in-law, Geri Gillen and special aunt, Mildred Boyd. She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Starnes Webb and husband Johnny; grandson, Dustin Charles Freeman and wife Beth; great-grandson, Chayne Lawson Freeman; 2 brothers; several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Friday, July 3, 2020 at Church Hill Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 am. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Starnes family.