MARY LUCILLE STARNES LITTLEPAGE, age 93 of Murfreesboro passed away Thursday, February 24, 2011. She was born on June 11, 1917 in Seagoville, Texas. Mary was preceded in death by her spouse, Gordon Ray Littlepage of Texas, parents, John and Alice Seago Starnes of Texas, brothers Wallace, Eunice, Bob and Bill Starnes, and sister, Margie Nunn all of Texas. She is survived her son, Glenn (Anna) Littlepage of Murfreesboro, TN grandchildren, Nick Littlepage and Morgan Jones of Murfreesboro, TN, and great grandchild, Kennedy Littlepage of Murfreesboro, TN. Mary graduated from Seagoville High School in 1935 and received her diploma from Parkland Hospital School of Nursing in 1940. She received her bachelors degree in Nursing Education from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1957 and a Masters degree in Education from Sul Ross State University in 1977. She began her career in 1940 as a staff nurse and later head nurse at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. From there she went to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Dallas where she served as a staff nurse, head nurse, nursing supervisor, and instructor. From 1960-1983 she became the Associate Chief for Nursing Education at the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in the following locations: Grand Junction, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Martinez, California; New Orleans, LA; Big springs, Texas; and Bonham, Texas where she retired. She received numerous commendations for outstanding performance. During her career Mary volunteered as a nurse consultant in Paraguay. She volunteered for the American Red Cross where she also received Red Cross Highest Award for saving the life of a young man who was injured in a motorcycle accident. After retiring and moving to Murfreesboro, Tennessee she continued her volunteer service to the Veterans Administration, American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and other causes. As a result of her extensive volunteer activities Mary was recognized with several Community Service Awards. Throughout her life, she was actively involved in her church and taught Sunday school classes for many years at various churches including Third Baptist Church. Her dedication to her family, career and to helping others was extraordinary. Her interests included reading, cooking, travel, church, and family. She is known as a selfless and caring person and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00pm Friday, February 25, 2011 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Graveside service will be 10:00am Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 5350 N.W. Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Pastor Steve Hutson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org, Meals on Wheels in Murfreesboro, or Samaritans Purse. Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. online condolences may be made at www.woodfinchapel.com