HEATH SPRINGS, SC ~ Mrs. Ernestine Bailey Starnes, age 75, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021 at her home.  She was born June 28, 1945 in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Harold Bailey and Bessie Mae Baskins Bailey and was the wife of Ernest Starnes.  Ernestine enjoyed working in her flowers and traveling to the mountains.  She loved spending time with her granddaughters.  Ernestine was a member of Fork Hill Baptist Church where she enjoyed her time as a Sunday School teacher.

Ernestine is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ernest M. Starnes; a brother, Mike Bailey (Beverly); four sisters, Catherine Starnes (Jim), Mae Bailey, Brenda Sue Settlemyre, and JoAnn Deese; brother-in-law, Alan Hinson; her very special extended family, Pastor Ken Pruitt (Terry), Sarah Joy, Bethany, and Nichole; and large extended family and friends.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her son, Michael Lynn Starnes; her parents; a brother, Harold "Peanut" Bailey, Jr.; and two sisters, Mildred Hagins and Chris Hinson.

The Celebration of Life Service for Ernestine will be 2:00 pm Friday, May 14, 2021 at Fork Hill Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Dale Walters and Dr. Ken Pruitt.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service, in the Family Life Center.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fork Hill Baptist Church, 1125 Fork Hill Rd, Heath Springs, SC 29058.