Annie Virginia Starke Barnes

Annie Virginia Starke Barnes (Virgie), 85, passed peacefully December 4, 2023 with her devoted children, Beth and Joe (III), by her side.  Virgie was the daughter of the late Wille and Annie Mae Starke.   Virgie was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Joe, and brother, John Starke.

Virgie is survived by her son, Joe (Faith) of Smithfield, VA and daughter, Beth (Todd) of Emporia VA; her grandchildren, Joseph IV (Ruth) and Robert; her sister, Aletha (Lewis) Armistead of Concord, VA; her sister-in-law, Vivian Havrilla of Alexandria, VA and many nieces and nephews.

Virgie moved with her family to Purdy at age of 6 and remained through her formative years.  Following graduation from Emporia High School in 1956, Virgie received nursing training at the Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg where she remained working in obstetrics until moving to the Richmond VA hospital before returning home to Purdy.  Her nursing career in Emporia included roles at Greensville Memorial, Dr. Squire’s office and the Emporia Medical Associates.  Following retirement and until her death, Virgie continued her passion as a Mary Kay consultant where she loved enhancing the beauty of her clients.

Prominent in her life was Purdy Baptist Church in which she was a life-long and active member. Faith was central to her outreach in the community. Purdy was home for Virgie – close to friends, family and church; it was her happy place and from where God called her home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 9, at Owen Funeral Home, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Purdy Baptist Church, 186 Smoky Ordinary Rd, Emporia, Virginia 23847.