Paulette Gwendolyn “Gwen” Adams Starling, age 83, was born on October 18, 1942, in Washington, DC. She was the beloved daughter of Hobert Shelton Adams and Flora Elizabeth Turnage Adams and the wife of Graham Denning Starling, all who preceded her in death. At three years old, Gwen moved with her family to Benson, North Carolina, where she was raised.

She graduated from Meadow High School in 1959 and later from King’s Business College in 1960. On May 15, 1960, Gwen married the love of her life, Graham Denning Starling, and together they chose to raise their family in Clinton, North Carolina—a community she would faithfully serve for decades.

Gwen dedicated nearly 50 years of service as Treasurer of the Sampson County Livestock Association.  She worked as the assistant director  for 25 years with the Sampson County Child Support Enforcement Agency before retirement.   Her commitment, integrity, and dependability left a lasting impact on those she worked with and served.

A gifted athlete, Gwen was a basketball star and continued playing the game she loved well into her late seventies. She was a lifelong sports enthusiast and especially treasured watching her grandsons play baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. Above all, Gwen’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished time spent with them and would do anything for her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Gwen was a devoted member of Clinton Community Church for 60 years, where her faith and kindness were evident to all who knew her. She was also well known for her delicious pumpkin rolls and fudge, lovingly prepared for friends, family, holidays, parties, and special occasions.  Gwen would spend hours baking, wrapping each treat with care, tying a beautiful bow, and hand-delivering them—purely out of the goodness of her heart.

She is survived by her three daughters, and five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her love and legacy forward.

Survivors include: daughters, Sherilette S. Austin, (Bill), Sharon S. Leggett (Joey) and Lesley M. Starling; grandsons, Chase Austin (Caroline), Brett Austin (Chelsey), Cameron Leggett, Trevor Leggett (fiancé Abby) and Drew Leggett; great-grandchildren, Gray Austin, Sullivan Austin and Parish Austin; brother, Shelton Adams (Golda) of Benson; sisters, Suzette Jerilyn Stroud (L. E.), Lynette Marvelyn Stephenson (Roger), Sharlette Dorcelyn Tucker (Glenwood) and Florette Trevelyn Adams.

A funeral service will be held at Clinton Community Church on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Clinton City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Falcon Children’s Home, PO Box 39, Falcon, NC  28342.