Starlyn Kay Sisk Crawford, 84, of High Point, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 with her daughter and granddaughter at her side.  Born and raised in Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Etrulia Sisk of Forest City.  Starlyn graduated from Cool Springs High School in 1959 and later attended Woman’s College in Greensboro, where she studied business.

Starlyn began her career with Tanner Company and later went to work for Hamrick Law Firm in Rutherfordton and at Rutherford County Mental Health Services. She later earned her real estate broker’s license and spent many devoted years helping others find homes—work she loved and excelled at.

In 2020, Starlyn moved to Jamestown, NC, though Rutherford County always remained close to her heart. Known affectionately by many as ‘Starling Darlin,’ she was a natural conversationalist who could talk to anyone and make them feel seen and appreciated. Starlyn had a humble spirit, a remarkable ability to listen, and a contagious laugh that warmed every room she entered.

From an early age, Starlyn possessed a deep gift for caring for others. She served as a caregiver for her grandparents as a young girl and later cared for her mother, her in-laws, and her beloved husband, Ray Crawford, among many others. Her compassion was both instinctive and unwavering.

Starlyn loved working outdoors in her yard, tending to her flowers, and finding joy in the simple beauty of nature. She adored her late Beagle dogs, Sugar and Spice. They gave her so much love and joy. Above all, she treasured her family.  Time spent with them was her greatest passion and her deepest source of happiness.

She is survived by her daughter, Gina Crawford Chapman and son-in-law, Duncan Chapman of Jamestown, N.C., her sisters, Sandy Sisk Freeman (Jack Freeman) of LaGrange, Georgia and Judy Sisk Oates (Bud Oates) of Rutherfordton; her granddaughter, Lauren Chapman Hardister (Bradley Hardister) of Thomasville and her two great-grandchildren, Emma and Braxton Hardister. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jolene Crawford Guffey and brother-in-law, Hal Guffey of Rutherfordton; sisters-in-law Bunny Crawford of Salisbury and Dr. Glenda Crawford of Burlington, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored and who dearly loved their Aunt Starlyn.

Services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Forest City, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm in the church sanctuary.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 

Starlyn’s generosity of spirit, her nurturing heart, and her joyful presence will live on in the many lives she touched. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Services are under the direction of The Padgett & King Mortuary.  Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com.