Chrisman IL 61924

    

Mary was born to Archie and Jane Wilson Starnes in Memphis TN. She has one brother named Joe Starnes.

Mary grew up in Memphis most of her life until per parents had inherited some land in Coldwater, Mississippi and moved there after her high school graduation.

Mary’s first job was working as a Social Studies grades 7-12 teacher at Hillcrest Academy in Coldwater. She stated that she loved the job because she had all of the holidays off but did not care for this job as she had a hard time disciplining the children. She states I just could not do it.

Mary went

to college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi University for Women, a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Memphis and a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Tennessee.

After graduating college Mary accepted a position at the Danville Library and was the head of the Over Outreach program. This department distributed books to those that were unable to attain them such as elderly, prisoners in prison or in jails. Mary worked in this position for over 12 years.

When asked what was the biggest challenge that you have ever faced, Mary stated that adjusting to retirement and having to sell her home has been the hardest for her.

When Mary was asked the difference between the way that kids are growing up now verses the way that you grew up as a child, Mary stated, that the kids now have so much more technology than she ever did. Mary was also asked what advice would you give the younger generation today and she stated to find your dream and follow it.

Mary now enjoys spending her days working on word search books, jigsaw puzzles, watching tv and visiting with her room mate, family and friends that she has made at Pleasant Meadows.