Betty Fuller Starnes Pullin died peacefully Monday, August 17, 2009 with her husband, daughter, and son by her side. She had lived the past eight months gracefully and courageously battling a rare and incurable auto immune disease. A native Georgian, Mrs. Pullin was born on July14, 1931. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bryan Fuller (Lois) of McRae, Georgia, and the sister of William Farrow Fuller (Bill), Athens Georgia. Mrs. Pullin grew up in McRae, Georgia graduating as valedictorian of her senior class. She attended the University of Georgia earning her undergraduate degree in education, was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and a Bulldog cheerleader. An honor student, she later earned advanced degrees from Emory University and Georgia State University in Atlanta. After graduation, Mrs. Pullin married Cullen George Starnes Jr., also from McRae. Major Starnes was a United States Marine Corp fighter pilot who was killed while flying a mission during the Vietnam War in 1967. After moving with her family to the Atlanta area in 1960, Mrs. Pullin devoted thirty years of service to her life work in the field of education. She honorably served as a past president of the DeKalb Association of Educators and as a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the premier association of professional educators. However, Mrs. Pullin was most recognized and highly respected for her joyful and selfless dedication to the teaching and mentoring of children. After retiring from the teaching profession in 1993, Betty enjoyed traveling abroad, ALTA tennis, and actively participating in local community projects and cultural events. She was a member of Clairmont Presbyterian church in Decatur, Georgia for over forty five years serving God and others faithfully. However her true passion in life was to God and her family. The times spent with her children and grandsons were filled with precious moments of love and devotion. Betty Pullin truly lived a life of service no matter what personal difficulties she faced. She was loved by her fellow educators, parents, students, and community of friends. The impact she had on the lives she touched was profound. From academics to being a true warrior, the lessons she taught many showed true strength in times of adversity. She is survived by her husband Wade H. Pullin, Jr., her daughter Catherine Starnes Ball, her son William Carey Starnes, and two grandsons McAllister and McRae Ball. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2009, at Clairmont Presbyterian Church in Decatur Georgia at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the City of McRae cemetery in McRae on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Contributions can be made in Mrs. Pullin’s name to Clairmont Presbyterian Church.
