Joyce Young Starling Barnes

Joyce Young Starling Barnes, 93, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. She was a Madison County native and a proud Pinetta Indian, whose blazing speed on the basketball court often struck fear into the hearts of her opponents. Known by family and friends as “Mama Joyce,” she would quickly become “Mama Bear” if her children were threatened in any way. She had a quick wit and was known for her thunderous laughter. She was a devoted wife and mother who believed in and supported her kids through good times and bad. There was no better place to be when sick than in her nurturing care. Joyce worked for many years at Madison Metal Products and as a manager for Majik Markets. She loved working and always gave far more than what was expected of her. She was a Christian who prayed her kids out of more trouble than they could count. She loved listening to Charles Stanley sermons each week, which was one of the few times she strayed from the Weather Channel. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, M.H. and Nita Young; a brother, “Junior” Young; sisters: Martha Hoyt Young, Mary Anchors, Madge Nicholson, Louise McCarley and two infant siblings; a daughter, Martha Joyce Sellers; a granddaughter, Grace Starling; husbands, Joseph Rogers Starling, Jr. and James Bennett “J.B.” Barnes. She is survived by her children: Roy (Mindy) Starling, Joe (Debbie) Starling and Mickey (Jenny) Starling; a sister, Kathy Higley; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of neices and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. Visitation will take place at 1 p.m., also at the church. Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences can be left at Beggsfuneral.com.