Edith Ann (Whisenhunt) Starkes

Edith Ann Starkes, of Arp, Texas, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Smith County, Texas. She was born on July 21, 1939, in her home in Arp, Texas, to the late James and Leo Whisenhunt.

Visitation services for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home in Overton, Texas.

Funeral services for Edith Ann Starkes will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Arp, Texas. Burial will immediately follow the service at Salem Cemetery.

Edith was a devoted homemaker and a cherished member of her church family, where her dedication never wavered—if the church doors were open, Edith was there, and sometimes even when they were not. She lived a life of complete selflessness, putting her own needs aside to raise and provide for her children. Never once was she witnessed acting out of selfishness; instead, she gave freely and lovingly of everything she had.

Edith took great pride in her home and yard, maintaining an immaculate house, beautiful gardens, and welcoming surroundings. In the eyes of her family, she was elegant, classy, and beautiful, yet never afraid to take on a man’s job when needed. She was truly the backbone of her family and a giver through every season of her life. After raising her children, she lovingly poured herself into caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed gardening, caring for her animals, sewing, playing the piano, making flower arrangements, and ensuring her family never went without. Edith was a loving and devoted wife to Chester Lyles until his passing. After being widowed, she later married Ervin “E.C.” Starkes, remaining by his side until his death. Despite enduring tremendous loss throughout her life, Edith remained strong, earning the title, in her family’s eyes, as the strongest woman they ever knew.

At 86 years old, Edith was still in incredible health, requiring no medications, suffering no illness, remaining active, and standing firmly on her own feet. Though some may say she lived a long life, those who knew her best know she still had so much life left to give.

Edith is survived by her son, Randy (Dugan) Lyles and wife Casey Lyles; Step-children, Sunni Starkes, and Sonya and husband Richard Barrett; grandchildren Colton Lyles and wife Jessica, Camryn Lyles, Jayden Rowan, and Lee Gillispie; step-grandchildren, Abigail Starkes and husband Pedro, James Barrett, Anna Barrett, Ethan Barrett and Stephan Barrett and Jennifer Everett; great-grandchildren Rylee Lyles, Kelsie Gillispie, Kyle Gillispie, and Kohen Gillispie; step-grandchildren, Aiden Starkes, Landon, Addilyn, Ryleigh, and Menphis Everett; and her brother Jimmy Whisenhunt and wife Francis.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Leo Whisenhunt; husbands Chester Lyles and Ervin “E.C.” Starkes; daughters Deborah (Debbie) Howard and Melissa (Missy) Gillispie; grandson Stathen Shuttlesworth; sister Mildred Strickler; brothers Bobby Whisenhunt and Sonny Whisenhunt; and niece Terri Rogers.

Pallbearers will be her nephews: Monte Whisenhunt, Matt Whisenhunt, Jon Whisenhunt, Brian Whisenhunt, Robert Whisenhunt, and Mark Andrews.
Honorary pallbearers are Mark Hayes, Chad Miller, Randy McKnight, and David Kinsler.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home, Overton, Texas.

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