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Violet Staley Obituary
Violet L. Staley
Oct. 28, 1930 - Jan. 8, 2021
DECATUR – Violet L. Staley, 90, of Decatur, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, in her home.
Violet was born October 28, 1930, in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Harriet Lucas. She was an active volunteer and fundraiser in various organizations throughout the Decatur community including raising 1 million dollars on her own for Richland Community College where she was a board member of the foundation. Violet began singing opera in her youth later attending Northwestern University to study opera and supported the Lyric Opera of Chicago for many decades. Violet traveled extensively and was an avid tennis player. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir for many years.
She was very active in the Kumulani Chapel and Kapalua Club in Kapalua, HI, as well as a member of the Decatur Country Club, Decatur Club, and co-founder of the Mueller Museum. She married Henry Mueller Staley on February 3, 1954 and he preceded her in death on September 7, 2008.
Violet is survived by her son, Mark and wife Julie Staley, as well as her grandchildren: Alex and Lucas Staley of Springfield; brother, Felix Lucas of NJ; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Violet was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, son Grant Spencer Staley, and sisters: Lillian and Jean.
Visitation will be Friday, January 15, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until the service time of 3:00 p.m. at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Richland Community College Foundation or Westminster Presbyterian Church.
CDC and IDPH guidelines will be followed, building occupancy will be limited, social distancing and masks are required.
For those who cannot attend, you may view the service live at http://webcast.funeralrecording.com/events/viewer/44904/hash:8E761EA382350755.
The family wants to thank all the caregivers through the last several years and a very special acknowledgment to Bridgett Bond for the extraordinary help and care that she provided for Violet and the family throughout the years.
The family of Violet L. Staley is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Violet Staley
4 Entries
Darell Sarff
January 12, 2021
Some of my fondest memories of Mrs. Staley was when she came to visit with Henry during duck season and in the Spring to mushroom hunt. Often she would drop off at our house freshly baked pies with a cheerful smile and an upbeat attitude all the time.
Judy Melnik Cooper
January 12, 2021
To the family of Vi,
I offer my deep sympathies for the passing of such a lovely lady! She was always compassionate and kind, virtues not often so openly displayed. Vi was a true asset to the Staley family.
Judy Melnik Cooper
Shirlene Wilkin
January 12, 2021
I was Vi's "computer teacher" who came every Sunday when they were here in Illinois. I say computer teacher but we became good friends and she usually had me working on the computer while we talked about every possible subject! I learned that if I'm playing the stock market, "keep a strong stomach and don't sell just because the market drops. It will rebound again and better than before", her direct quote. Thank goodness I listened because I now have a good retirement IRA. She listened to the stories of my granddaughters with such delight, too! And, oh yes, she always had peach tea on Sundays when I arrived. I haven't seen her in several years due to her health issues but I have thought of her often and with genuine love. She was a wonderful person and I'm so sorry for your loss.
jerry johnson
January 12, 2021
I was the chairman of RCC when the foundation was sent out public. I was very impressed with her efforts, she was a great patron and will and was missed from the public scene.
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Memorial Events
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Jan
15
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526
Jan
15
Funeral services provided by:
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526
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