Rosalyn "Elaine" Starnes

Rosalyn “Elaine” Jay Starnes, a beloved mother, grandmother, and legendary educator, passed away peacefully at the age of 83, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her family at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 6, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1942, to the late Daniel Fore Jay Sr. and Lillie Leo Adams Jay in Newton County, Mississippi.

For 56 remarkable years, Elaine was a pillar of compassion, wisdom, and guidance at Chalmette High School. She began her career as an English teacher, encouraging students to find their voices and use their writing to bring life and meaning to their words. She later became a guidance counselor, where she served as a safe haven and beacon of hope for students struggling to find their way. She nurtured the potential she saw in every student and helped countless young people believe in themselves. Above all of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy was her family, who remember her as a mother “whose capacity to love and guide knew no bounds.”

Recognizing that she could better serve students as a counselor through a deeper understanding of special education, Elaine pursued graduate studies in the field, ultimately earning a master’s degree plus 30 graduate hours. Her dedication to education was evident throughout her career, as she taught English at every level, including regular and honors courses, as well as English 101 at Nunez Community College. She also served for many years as Chair of the English Department before accepting the position of guidance counselor. Her dedication to education extended beyond the traditional school year, as she served as a principal of summer school for many years, continuing her commitment to supporting and educating students throughout the year.

To those who knew Elaine, her influence reached far beyond the walls of Chalmette High School. She was known for her selflessness, kindness, and genuine care for those around her. Elaine always put others before herself and was willing to lend a helping hand whenever she could. She found joy in the simple moments of life and cherished the time she spent with her family and loved ones. Her caring nature, warm heart, and thoughtful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Elaine was also a woman of deep faith, which remained a source of strength and peace throughout her life. Even in her final days, her faith remained steadfast, giving her comfort and reassuring her loved ones that she knew where she was going. Her kindness, faith, and love for others will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her son, Wilton “Jay” Starnes; her husband, Sidney Alfred Starnes Sr. “Sid”; and her siblings, William “Bill” Jay, Daniel Fore Jay Jr. “Dan,” and Lillian Jay Hardwell. She is survived by her son, Sidney Alfred Starnes Jr. “Fred” of Brandon, MS; her grandchildren, Abigail Blackwell of Starkville, MS, and Ashton Starnes of Brandon, MS; her great-granddaughter, Baylor Claire Vick of Starkville, MS; her brother-in-law, Johnny Hardwell of Braxton, MS; her sister-in-law, Frances Jay of Benton, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and all of her Chalmette High family and St. Bernard Parish.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Ridge Memorial Baptist Church, 55115 Apple Pie Ridge Rd. Slidell, LA 70461.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME,1751 Gause Blvd. West (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Paul Dabdoub, officiating.

Visitation at the funeral home on Monday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.

Interment will be held at 3:00 P.M. in Chunky Cemetery, 465 Adams St. Chunky, MS 39323.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.