Evelyn Roberta Starnes

Evelyn Roberta Whorton Starnes, Age 81, died peacefully on Dec. 23. 2016 in the care of Circle of Life at the Earlene Howard Hospice Home in Springdale, Ark. Roberta or "Bertie" as she was known by family and friends was born on March 2, 1935 at Maysville, Ark., to Charles Whorton Sr. and Vera Cluck Whorton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of fifty years, James W. "Jiggs" Starnes, brothers, Herman Dee Whorton and Kenneth Whorton and sister-in-law, Edith Whorton. She is survived by her son, Curtis R. Starnes and wife, Debbie of Lowell, Ark., her beloved grandson, Benjamin C. Starnes of Fayetteville, Ark., a brother, Charles Whorton, Jr, and sister-in-law, Wilma Whorton, both of Huntsville, Ark. She took a special pride in her family and leaves numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and their families which all held a special place in her heart. During her illness, her goal was to get back to the Madison County Senior Center where she had many dear friends and enjoyed visiting and playing cards. Her competitive spirit carried her through her life. She was an avid sports fan and loved the Huntsville Eagles and Arkansas Razorbacks. She was a member of the 1950 Huntsville High School Women's Basketball team that placed first in the state tournament. She was also very active in the Madison County Women Democrats. Roberta also was proud of her professional accomplishments. She left for Tulsa after graduation and worked her way up the ladder in the corporate world. She was very proud of being named the first female manager for North American Aviation, supervising a staff of ninety. She and her husband then made the decision to move back home to Madison County. They settled in Huntsville for their remaining years and worked together farming, raising cattle and poultry. Visitation will be at Brashears Funeral Home in Huntsvile on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brandon Brasel of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Buckeye Cemetery under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home www.brashearsfuneralhome.net of Huntsville, Ark. Pallbearers will be: Jim Whorton, Greg Whorton, Jerry Whorton, Randall Whorton, Tom Whorton, Rick Whorton and Chuck Whorton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison County Senior Center, Post Office Box 598, Huntsville, Ark.  72740.