Betsy Benton Starnes, 68, of Monroe, NC, entered eternal life through Jesus Christ, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, and now rejoices with the saints in the Church Triumphant. She passed peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by loving family singing and holding her hands. Born April 8, 1957, in Concord, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Troy “Bill” Benton and Vera Pines Moore. She knew loss early in life, spending time in an orphanage after her mother’s death before being reunited with family—experiences that shaped her deep compassion and lifelong conviction in the dignity and worth of every person.

Though raised in the Primitive Baptist tradition, she became a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in 1999, where she was active in the WMU and choir and founded and directed the church’s children’s handbell choir. Music remained a constant thread in her life of faith. She often sang in church and shared her love of music with others, including the song “You and I,” which she and Jeff sang to each other at their wedding. Her faith was marked by Scripture, simplicity, and loving devotion.

Betsy worked in the printing industry at Delmar Printing and Family Dollar before serving for 22 years as a home health aide with the Council on Aging until her retirement in 2020. Known for her infectious laugh, mischievous grin, and warm sense of humor, she brought joy wherever she went and enjoyed camping, horses, and traveling with her husband and family.

In her later years she lived with vascular dementia and was lovingly cared for by her husband, Jeff, whose steadfast devotion was a profound expression of love. She is survived by her husband of forty years, Jeffery Starnes; their son, Joshua; their daughter, Jessica; two brothers; and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters: Tenna Pines Benton and Kathy Sue Phillips, along with her stepmother and a stepsister.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Monroe, with visitation from 10:30–11:15 a.m. and the service at 11:30 a.m., followed by graveside committal at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Matthews.

 The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Council on Aging of Union County, Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union, or a charity reflecting Betsy’s life and values.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Starnes Family.