Bessie Lee Phillips Dunn Starnes

May 4, 2018

Mrs. Bessie Lee Phillips Dunn Starnes passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, at her home on Jackson Street in Fort Mill where she had lived since 1957. The family will receive friends from 2 until 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Indian Land. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Joel McMakin officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Born August 21, 1922 in the Unity Community of Lancaster County, S.C., Mrs. Starnes was a daughter of the late William Luther Phillips Sr. and Lillie Mae Ellis Phillips. Mrs. Starnes worked as a weaver for Springs Industries at both the Fort Mill and White Plants. She retired in 1983 and was a member of the 25 year club. She enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was an avid Braves fan. Mrs. Starnes was one of the oldest living members of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. She was the widow of the late J.D. Starnes. Surviving are her children, her daughter, Pat Dunn Dees and her husband, Ed, Ronnie Dunn and his wife, Doris, and Bill Dunn and his wife, Jada of Fort Mill; her stepson, Jody Starnes of Murrells Inlet, S.C.; her brother, William Luther Phillips, Jr. of Central, S.C.; her sister, Edith Thames of Clinton, S.C.; her half-brother, Herbert Phillips of Lake Wateree; seven grandchildren, Amy, Kym, Chris, Sarah, Edward, Alec and Whitney; and six great-grandchildren. The family would like to give a special thank you to Provident Hospice, especially her nurses, Lisa and Tina. They would also like to express thoughts of gratitude to good friend and caregiver Lorna Lewis for all her help and support. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 238 Fort Mill Highway, Indian Land, SC 29707.