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NEWTON, N.C. - Virginia Irene Buff Starnes, 99, of Newton, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at Abernethy Laurels.

She was born April 23, 1924 in Catawba County to the late Rev. Clarence (C.P.)  Buff and Junie Queen Buff. Irene worked in textiles and later on, retired from a childcare center. She loved children and enjoyed watching and taking care of them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Thomas Starnes; son, Lynn Adrian Starnes; daughter, Sylvia Starnes Abernathy; sisters, Gladys Buff Campbell and Inez Buff Hildebran; brother; Glenn Allen Buff; grandchildren, Timothy Hedrick and Christopher Averitt; great-grandchildren, Haven Starnes (infant), Chad Camp, and Austin Hedrick; great-great-grandchild, Trey Edward Visi-Clark (infant).

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons Carlton Thomas Starnes and wife Lois of Denver, Michael Allen Starnes and wife Janice of Conover; son-in-law James Abernathy of Maiden; sister Thelma Icard of Conover; sister-in-law Joyce “Joy” Buff of Florida, Leota Scarbrough of Hickory; grandchildren Scott Hedrick (Linda) of Claremont, Renea Hedrick Lee (Roger) of Maiden, Kimberly Starnes Camp of Hickory, Lesley Starnes Averitt of Denver, Michelle Starnes Shelly (Bill) of Conover, Lynn Starnes (Tina Huffman) of Conover; great-grandchildren Brianna Lee, Emily Camp Singh (Justin), Lauren Averitt Visi-Clark (Josh), Courtney Erb (Hunter), Stephanie Raborn Camp Barwick, Merritt Hullett, Haley Hullett, Luci Starnes, Maria Starnes, Luke Starnes, Sarah Starnes, Addison Starnes, Christopher Hedrick, John Hedrick, and Scotty Hedrick; great-great-grandsons Ethan Hedrick, Jacob Hedrick, and Randy Hedrick.

A graveside service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held on Friday, September, 29, 2023 11 a.m. at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory. Rev. Dr. Ed Yount will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658

Condolences may be sent to the Starnes family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Starnes family.

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