Julia Starnes Bobo celebrated her 95th birthday with family and friends February 9, 2008, at the Rice Home. Joining in were Mrs. Bobo's daughters: Juliana Ott of Lexington, S.C., and Sarah Swinn of Gettysburg, Pa. and her son Starnes of Georgetown, S.C., and Julia's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Bobo was born February 8, 1913, in Ridgeway, S.C. She is the daughter of Sarah Coleman Starnes and Joseph Wesley Starnes. She was engaged to Thomas Byrd Bobo on her birthday, 1934. She met Tom working as an accountant clerk at the Federal Land Bank in Columbia. Her starting salary was $50/mo. The couple rented their first home for $20/mo. For fun, they would take trips to Pawleys Island. Together they raised their family in S.C. and Pa. They were blessed with three daughters: Juliana Ott, Claudia Jean Summers, Sarah Louise Swinn; and one son Thomas Byrd Jr.

Mrs. Bobo has shown her family how to live life to its fullest. She is always ready for a game or hand of bridge. She loves to go to the beach and sit on the porch visiting and watching her great grandchildren play. She is an avid letter writer and has the most legible handwriting in the family. She loves to take drives on country back roads and visit with dear friends and new friends, too. She knows the stats of the Atlanta Braves and doesn't miss a game on TV. She danced the twist with her son at her grandson's wedding last year and still bakes the most delicious pies.

She cares about others and is generous and gracious. She faithfully reads her Bible and attends services. Hers is a life well lived.

We love you dearly, Momma!