Obituary of Lucile Starnes O’Connell

Lucile Starnes O’Connell, 91, died peacefully on July 16, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was greeted in Heaven by her husband, The love of her life, Richard Merritt O’Connell. Lucile was born August 21, 1923 to Lucile Hilton and Thomas Montgomery Starnes in Birmingham, Alabama. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Cile Farmer (Doug) and Shali Denton (Charles), her grandchildren, Shannon Monahan, Kit Menis, Trey Menefee, Casey Adkins and Charlie Denton, and 7 great grandchildren. Lucile graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in Fine Arts and was a member of Tri Delta, but she always remained a BAMA fan. Lucile and Richard married in Birmingham in 1946. In 1960, they moved with their daughters to the idealic town of Anchorage, Ky. From there, they moved Weston, Conn., then back to Anchorage, then to Jacksonville, Fl. and then to Isle of Palms, SC. Eventually Richard and Lu decided to go back home to Birmingham, where their life and story began. Wherever they lived, Lucile was an active member in the community, volunteering many hours to Recording for ther Blind, She was on the alter guild and was a lay reader in her church and she was also a docent at Edmondston Alston House in Charleston. She showed her children each and every day the meaning of unconditional love. She was there for her girls from horse shows to swim meets to tennis matches. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were blessed with a great example of love, devotion, humility and humor. The Lord gave Lucille special talents here on earth. She was a beautiful water color artist and a brilliant dancer. Lucile enjoyed bridge, tennis and golf. Family and friends were her passion ands delight. She loved to host and entertain. A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Holy Cross on Wednesday, July 22, at 3:00. Later a memorial service will be held in Birmingham, Alabama at The Cathedral Church of the Advent. where she will be layed to rest beside her beloved Richard. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her honor to Summit Place of daniel Island c/o Activities Dept., 320 Seven Farms Road, Charleston, SC 29492