Starnes-Vincent, Carolyn Ann

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Carolyn Starnes-Vincent

Carolyn Ann Starnes-Vincent, age 59, daughter of James Albert and Helen Hudgens Starnes, wife of Stephen Vincent, and mother of two treasured sons: Richard and Ivan, died on Tuesday, August 25, at Emory University Hospital after a brief illness.

Carolyn was employed by Henry County Schools teaching at Austin Road Elementary and Fairview Elementary, Stockbridge, Ga.

Music was always at the very center of her being. Born with perfect pitch into a family of musicians, she began mastering the piano in her infancy, at age four she played Christmas carols for her church congregation, and as a young teenager she served as pianist for musical productions. She received her bachelor’s degree in music from George Peabody College for Teachers, her master’s from Vanderbilt University, and her doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education degree from Boston University. Her teaching experience included all grade levels from kindergarten through college.

As an educator, she introduced to thousands of students a basic knowledge of music and the need for both precision in performance and a sensitive interpretation as she prepared them for advanced study and/or a lifetime of joy in being able to express themselves through the arts - thus teaching them how to lift the human spirit. At work or at home, she and her husband Steve, an accomplished percussionist, were immersed in music. She authored The Suzuki Method: Positive Reinforcement Skills and The Big Theory Book for Little Fingers. Her doctoral dissertation was entitled A History of the Music Department at Emory College/University, 1836-2010.

Born in Chattanooga, she was educated in Hamilton County Schools and graduated from East Ridge High where she was piano accompanist for the chorus and as a band member played the flute and served as junior high drum major. Her competitive spirit and desire to participate and excel were shown at all ages. In 1995-96 Session, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring Austin Road Elementary students and Carolyn Starnes-Vincent for participation in the PBS production “The World’s Largest Concert,” during “Music in Our Schools Month.” The concert aired over 300 stations. Austin Road’s students’ performance was filmed at Stone Mountain Park and the group represented the state of Georgia. While teaching the previous year in Hendersonville, Tennessee, she entered the same contest, and she and her classes won the same honor and represented the state of Tennessee in the PBS nationally viewed concert.

Carolyn had a good relationship with all of God’s creation. The soil and the plants that brought beautiful flowers or red ripe tomatoes were a feast for her eyes. Throughout the years her cats and dogs were held in such high esteem, and they always returned the devotion by bringing her moments of true happiness and comfort.

A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she was a member of Mountain Park United Methodist Church, Stone Mountain, and demonstrated a real faith that sustained her. She was, indeed, a proud mother, a dear friend to many who demonstrated true loyalty to her, a woman of great determination and perseverance, and a person who appreciated excellence and achievement. Those who knew her will remember her extraordinary example of strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older brother, Paul Malvine Starnes.

She is survived by her beloved brother, Ronald M. (Ethel) Starnes, Chattanooga; their children: David (Rhea Jeanne) and their daughter, Hannah, Acworth, Ga.; Michael (Valeska) and their children, Madison and Phillip, Murfreesboro, Tn.; Susan (Arch) Howell, and their sons, Will and Sam Pesterfield, Lookout Mountain; her sister-in-law, Mary Feezell Starnes, Chattanooga, and sister-in-law, Susan (Terry) Knox, Signal Mountain.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery with Dr. David Harr officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held in Stockbridge, Ga., at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Go Fund Me at http://www.gofundme.com/w59rhbyc.

Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family and view Carolyn’s memorial tribute.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 12-2 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.