Etta Sue Boggs Starnes (Sue), 90, of Raleigh, North Carolina, loving mother of four and adoring wife to husband Melvin Duane Starnes, passed away on June 29, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Carrie Elizabeth Davis Boggs and Edgar Graham Boggs Sr., born on March 25, 1934, in Mooresville, NC.
After graduating from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis NC in 1952, Sue went on to attend High Point University in High Point, NC where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority.
When Sue’s fiancé, Melvin, received orders from the US Army to serve in Japan during the Korean War, she made the decision they would get married before he left. With barely a week to plan a wedding, the couple wed on June 19, 1954, and have been together ever since. Their love story lasted seven decades, and was filled with love, laughter, and companionship. In 2019, Sue moved into the skilled nursing unit at Windsor Point. Even though he knew she was well taken care of, Mel remained devoted to her every need each day. They spent their time together strolling around the gardens, attending church every Sunday, and going over to their apartment for the occasional glass of Cheerwine and a sweet treat. She affectionately referred to Mel as “My Darlin” and her day began the moment he entered her room. He never left without a kiss and “I’ll see you tomorrow.” In June, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together. They are a shining example of love, respect, and support for all those fortunate to know them.
While Melvin was in Japan, Sue started her career at WGTL Radio Station in Kannapolis, NC. As they moved throughout North Carolina upon his return from duty, she continued her career at WECT TV in Wilmington, NC, Sears and Roebuck Credit Department in Greensboro, NC, First Baptist Church in Garner, NC and Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC where she retired in 1991.
Being a mother and grandmother was one of the most important parts of Sue’s life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. In 1995, after the passing of their daughter, Beth, she took on the role of mother once again, raising her granddaughter, Julianna. From slumber parties to amusement parks, white water rafting, prom, and yes, another wedding, they made sure she lived her life as Beth would have wanted, while keeping her mother’s memory ever present in her life. Sue’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Sue also took her faith very seriously. As a young girl, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of the Jackson Park United Methodist Church in Kannapolis, NC. She and Melvin were members of Vandalia Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC where Sue was a Session member, Sunday School teacher and involved in the Ladies Circle. At West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, Sue was a member of the Ladies Circle, Fellowship club and the Alice Broome Sunday school class.
Her hobbies and interests included spending time at the beach, playing tennis, sewing, needlepoint, piano and supporting her NC State Wolfpack. Of particular importance to Sue was the time she spent with her best friend, Brenda Johnson. They shared countless adventures and offered each other unwavering support and love. Sue always said that Brenda was not just a friend; you are my chosen sister.
In 1976, she developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, after receiving the swine flu vaccine. Paralyzed in the hospital, Sue faced a long and grueling, uphill battle to recover. Even though Sue fought her way back from Guillain-Barre, she was left with physical challenges and pain throughout the remainder of her life.
Sue was predeceased by her parents Carrie and Edgar Boggs, brothers Carl Thomas Boggs, John Walter Boggs, E.G. Boggs Jr., and daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Starnes Larson.
She is survived by her husband Melvin Starnes of Fuquay-Varina, NC, son Greg Starnes of Raleigh, NC, son Brad Starnes (Jill) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, daughter Kelley Higgins (Stuart) of Apex, NC, granddaughter Julianna Sandlin (Ryan) of Apex, NC, granddaughter Jensen Starnes Castelloe (Mike) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, grandson Tyler Starnes of Atlanta, GA, grandson Andrew Starnes of Fuquay-Varina, NC, grandson Zach Higgins (Payton) of Pittsboro, NC, grandson Nick Higgins (Sarah) of Raleigh, NC, and grandson Gabe Higgins of Apex, NC, great-granddaughter Taylor Sandlin, great-granddaughter Liston Castelloe and great-granddaughter Lowen Castelloe.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff in the skilled nursing unit at Windsor Point in Fuquay Varina, NC and Transitions Hospice Care for their love, kindness, and support during the last 4 years.
Services will be held at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, 27 Horne Street, Raleigh, NC on July 10, 2024, at 1pm. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 11:30am. A private burial will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park.
Friends and family may send flowers or make a donation in Sue’s memory to West Raleigh Presbyterian Church.
Services by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.
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