BOAZ — Judith Ann Harper Starnes, 70, of Boaz, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at her home.

Judy was born in Centralia, IL, on July 19, 1941, to T.G. and Irene Lane Harper. She was a 1959 graduate of Lone Oak High School, where she was a classmate of her future husband, Larry Starnes. They married on June 10, 1960. Judy and Larry worked alongside family for many years in the business they co-owned, Starnes Bar B Que. In addition, their strong Christian faith led them to begin Oasis Christian Center over 16 years ago and together, with Larry as Pastor and Judy as an integral part of their spiritual mission, they dedicated themselves to this community outreach.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Pastor Larry Starnes; their two children, Paula (Mike) Riley of Mayfield, KY, and Tim (Detra) Starnes of Boaz, KY; her mother, Irene Lane Harper of Paducah; five grandchildren, Steven Riley, Daniel (RaKeshia) Riley, and Adam Riley, all of Mayfield, Amy (Travis) Biggers of Plumas Lake, CA, and Sara Starnes of Boaz; two siblings, Barbara (Joe) Howard of Paducah and Gary (Pam) Harper of Benton, KY; and several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Gary “T.G.” Harper, and a nephew, Joseph Howard.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Pastor David Parish officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

You may leave a message of sympathy at www.milnerandorr.com.