Victoria Dorula Presley

Victoria "Vicki" Julia Dorula Presley, founder of "Presley Beach", 76 years entered eternal heavenly life on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Vicki peacefully passed at Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia while comforted by and holding hands with the love of her life, Charles Presley. She fought a valiant battle with dementia, had a strong will to live and was supported by the love and prayers of family and friends.

Vicki was born at home on November 18, 1945 in Elbert, West Virginia. She was the second of three beautiful sisters, along with one forever self-describing "good looking" baby brother, all of whom would proudly tell you were raised in the coalfields of McDowell County by Walter Stanley Dorula and Ann Blasher Dorula. They would also be quick to tell you "God must be a Mountaineer, because the sun is GOLD and the sky is BLUE." She was granddaughter of the late Carl Blasher and Julia Semonco Blasher, immigrants from Russia and Czechoslovakia and the late Wladyslaw "Walter" Stanley Dorula and Wiktorya "Victoria" Bahleda, immigrants from Poland. Vicki was extremely proud of her Polish and Slavic heritage and her West Virginia roots. She eagerly shared family recipes such as holishkes (cabbage rolls); kolachi (nut bread) and traditions such as pysanky eggs (decorated Easter eggs) with extended family, friends, and neighbors. All of her parent's love, and the heritage born from her wonderful Mother and Father were always present within Vicki.

Vicki attended Elbert-Filbert Grade School; Gary Junior High School; and Gary High School where she graduated with the Class of 1963, winning Senior Superlative for "Most Popular". She was a Majorette and promoted to Head Majorette her senior year. Due mostly to her popularity and personality, coupled with her natural beauty, she was nominated to Homecoming Court her Freshman year. At the time, this made her ineligible for future nominations. She was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society; served as Secretary of her junior class; appeared in the class play; and covered Senior High News with the Journalism Club. In later years, Vicki relished the opportunity to become integral in planning Gary High School class reunions and multi-year reunions. Few things brought her more enjoyment than reconnecting with family and friends.

After graduating high school, Vicki attended Marshall University, followed by a move to Washington DC. She pursued a career working on Capitol Hill for Alabama Congressman Robert Jones, as what is now known as a Legislative Assistant. After the Congressman's wife noticed her penmanship matched her husbands, Vicki became the original "autopen," signing items for constituents such as Capitol Hill calendars, holiday greeting cards, etc. In later years, when her brother found out this truth, it became a story of great amusement. Michael (Mike) shared he had boasted to all his college dorm buddies that the Congressman sent him a personally signed calendar and wished him well while at WVU. His disbelief and embellished embarrassment were side splitting humor.

It was in Washington DC that Vicki's charm and beauty won over the young man who would become her adoring and devoted husband, Charles Edward Presley. They were married on February 19, 1966 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Gary, West Virginia. The newlyweds settled in Oxon Hill, Maryland. They welcomed with love two daughters, Diann and Sharon. Although she reveled in sharing stories of when she frequently brought her babies to play on the floor of the Congressman's office while she worked, her true dream was to be a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. They relocated to Fairfax, Virginia near George Mason University, so that Vicki could fulfill her dream of becoming "the original domestic goddess." We have never, ever, known anyone to take such pleasure and happiness in ironing EVERYTHING -- including undershirts and bedsheets to name a few. In addition to ironing, Vicki took great delight in remembering and celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, accomplishments of others, and milestones of all she knew and loved. We would be hard pressed to find someone who has never received a greeting card with well wishes from her on behalf of our family! Hallmark will surely miss her weekly income!

She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, as well as loyal friend, diehard fan of WVU, Marshall, and DC home teams. Once leaving a Redskins game, a gentlemen said, "You're the loudest lady I've ever been around!" She always took great pride in her appearance and loved a good sale (Hecht's red dot or Woodie's blue chip) to add to her clothing and accessories. She made certain her family was always dressed to the nines and photo-op ready every day. We clearly see evidence this talent has been passed onto her granddaughters.

Vicki was truly a classy lady who always put family first and knew good manners are nothing more than a series of small, inconsequential sacrifices. She truly thrived as a homemaker, not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help, volunteer at school (mainly because Sharon would quickly raise her hand to offer her Mom's talents), Girl Scouts, or her girls various athletic teams. She routinely brought meals to the homes of sick neighbors or surprised them with something delicious when they were hosting out of town guests. She always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy.

One of her greatest joys was volunteering at her daughters' high school, James W. Robinson Secondary School, she possibly had a better attendance record during those years than either of her daughters. What started as occasional volunteer work rose to her taking on the position of Volunteer Coordinator. She took great pride in sharing this granted her 'voting' privileges, but not her husband! Of course, he could attend these school meetings, just no voting power. She was quick witted and it was endearing to observe her playful banter with those she loved most. She knew a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations.

As their daughter's grew, Vicki began a part-time career in the fragrance industry. She absolutely loved the opportunity to market products and truly excelled in her position as a 'Fragrance Model'. She proudly worked for companies such as Giorgio Beverly Hills, Calvin Klein, and her absolute favorite, Ralph Lauren. In 1980 something, Vicki and Charlie opened their own small business, Presley Mechanical Inc., where Charlie excelled in mechanical engineering, and they had the great joy to share the business with Charlie's brothers, James "Son" Presley and Dan Presley. Vicki continued supporting both endeavors until her love, Charlie, suffered a near fatal accident at work in 2000. Vicki exuberantly and lovingly transitioned to the role she loved best of homemaker and caregiver.

Also in 2000, Vicki and Charlie, achieved one of their life goals to welcome with great pride and admiration, son-in-law, James Waddell. They embraced, unconditionally, Jim and the entire Waddell extended family. Everyone was always invited to join their famous Christmas Eve Luncheons. Few things brought Vicki more happiness than expanding these gatherings of family, extended family and dear friends who became family!

Finally, in 2009, Vicki and Charlie were granted their absolute dream of becoming grandparents to Piper Ann Presley Waddell, assuming titles of "Poppy" and "YaYa". No less than 13x a week they would arrive for 'early dismissal' or 'to spring their girl early' so they might spend as much time as possible with their beloved granddaughter. We have truly never experienced such shameless love and devotion. This multiplied infinitely with the arrival of Tegan Grace Presley Waddell in 2011.

Vicki truly never met a stranger and cherished her close friendships with people living in and nearby her community. She was a sucker for afternoon coffee and pastries with her beloved KPW neighbors. She smiled and she shared her graceful touch with everyone. To our loving mother up above; "Tell her how we miss her, And give her all our love. And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side."

A devoted Catholic, Vicki and her sisters started by attending daily Mass on their way to school each morning. She rarely missed Mass or a Holy Day. No matter where she traveled, first item of importance was ALWAYS to find the Mass schedule at the local Catholic church. Then, other plans could be made! She shared her faith with her daughter's ensuring they were steeped in Catholic faith and tradition.

A 50-year resident of Fairfax, she is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Presley, and her daughter's Diann and Sharon; son-in-law James Waddell; and granddaughter's Piper and Tegan who made up the entirety of her world. Vicki's family would like to thank Aster Yemer for her extraordinary care and friendship over the past several years. Her dedication and support gave Vicki many more days with her family. Vicki was also given exceptional care by a very special sister-in-law, Eleanor Presley Mohler, we love her, we love her, we love her!

Vicki is also survived by her sisters, Joyce Dorula, and Mary Catherine (Cathy) Dorula; sisters-in-law Nan (Paul) Mitchem; Nancy Pruitt; Donna Cox Dorula. She is also survived by her beloved godson (and nephew), Jason Lester (Suellen). Nieces Lavonne Pruitt, Paula Mitchem Scholl, Cassie Presley (Nick Wallace), Mary Catherine Dorula, Karen Dorula (Greg Fleishman). Nephews James Dean Pruitt (Terri), Jason Mohler, Benjamin Lester, Cole Presley (Ruth), Cameron Presley, John Dorula. Great Nieces/Nephews: Cheyenne and Grayson Scholl; Landon and Tyler Pruitt; Holden, Everett, Leo, and Field Lester; Sophie Pruitt; Miyah and Zuri Presley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Stanley Dorula and Ann Blasher Dorula, her only brother, Walter Michael "Mike" Dorula; her brothers-in-law James Louis Presley, Vaughn Dean Pruitt, Dan Stanley Presley, and John Wiley Presley.

Vicki's final resting place will be at Historic Saint Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia, the site of so many special events including the Annual Labor Day Picnic (where they won the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle in the raffle) and numerous celebrations of Sacraments for friends and family, including the Baptisms of her granddaughters, the First Holy Communion and Holy Matrimony of her daughter, Sharon.

Vicki's genuine and graceful ease of conversation with people, even strangers, was immediately felt. Vicki possessed a contagious smile and a truly entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and admiration of people who came to know her. Vicki's signature gift, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.

A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial for Vicki will be celebrated by Fr. Francis Peffley (Saint Mary of Sorrows), Fr. Dan Pisano (St. Mary's Church in Petersburg, WV), and Fr. Nicholas Barnes (St. Theresa Ashburn, VA) at 10:30 AM on August 12, 2022 at Saint Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia immediately followed by Rite of Committal at the historic Saint Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

Honorary pallbearers include: James Waddell, James R. Kyte, Andy Carl Blasher, Michael Blasher, Pete Pisano, Eleanor Presley Mohler, Deborah Gouge Curtis, Cassie & Cole Presley, Jason Mohler, Lavonne Pruitt, Anne Gergely, Greg Brown, Christine Cavallo, Sondra Gail Stamper, Pam Stone Kinder, Nolan Evans, Bob Mizer, Fred Kane, Joanne Del Moral, Jennifer Rogers Sterling, Leslie Smith, Paula Schuler Flamm, Kellee Franklin, Tamerine Pease Flatt, Christine Powers McMahon, Jeff Bispo, and Chris Madello.

Honorary Flower Bearers include: Piper Waddell, Tegan Waddell, Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), Gary High School Alumni, Marshall University Foundation, WVU Foundation, Steamfitters Local 602, Congressional Staff Alumni Council, Robinson Athletic Boosters, Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation, JP JumPers Foundation, Saint Theresa PTO, Friends of Saint Theresa School (FOSTS), The Club at Creighton Farms, JMU Alumni Association, Virginia Tech Hokie Club, Spartan's Family Restaurant, and Hallmark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to name to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

In lieu of tears, the family request you talk to a stranger in the grocery line, get in touch with an old friend, or send a Hallmark greeting card (an actual card, not an ecard) to someone who needs a smile.

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