Janis Staley

The Wichita Falls community has lost a long-time resident. Janis Sue Connor Staley passed away following a lengthy illness Saturday, June 8, 2024. Born September 10, 1935, in Decatur, Texas, her parents James Argus and Mary Eleanor Riley Connor moved their family to Vernon where Janis spent her childhood, graduating from Vernon High School. There she met the man with whom she would spend nearly seventy years. She married her high school sweetheart Theron Conrad Staley on December 25, 1953. Janis was the talented majorette while Conrad played the drums in the school band. Following their wedding, the couple moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Conrad continued pursuing his architectural degree. To help out with the finances, Janis worked in the campus book store. Once he graduated, the couple moved to Wichita Falls where Janis remained until her death. The Wichita Falls area knew Janis and Conrad Staley as a team that was active in their community, dedicated to their church and family.
Janis's work experience continued in Wichita Falls. She worked with Marc Goodrich at his State Farm Insurance group. As she honed her skills there, Conrad's architectural firm was growing. She joined Conrad Staley and Associates as his administrative assistant and continued to work through the several name changes of the company including Staley, Baker, Munson and Associates. She also used her skills with C.A.G.E. Construction Company. Janis remained an active participant alongside her husband until she retired following her diagnosis of macular degeneration and eventual blindness. Both Janis and Conrad volunteered their time to Rotary Club International.
The Staley sons became the focus of Janis and Conrad's time. With the birth of their first child, Chuck, Janis's focus changed along with Conrad's. She was dedicated to Chuck's extensive care. Time that was not part of the workforce was spent at the North Texas Rehabilitation Center. Janis tirelessly volunteered with the March of Dimes, Easter Seals, and the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children. Sacred Heart Catholic Church became more and more important in the family's lives. Janis volunteered with various groups, most importantly the Altar Society. When son Chris was old enough, sports dominated the family life. While her husband coached sports from baseball, basketball to football, Janis was there keeping the scores and statistics, cheering the teams on. As a family, the Staleys enjoyed the outdoors and took every opportunity to boat, fish and ski. Animals, as well were a part of the Staley family. Through the seventy-year marriage, a variety of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens were welcomed.
Janis Staley is preceded in death by her husband Conrad Staley, Theron Charles (Chuck) Staley in addition to her parents James Argus and Mary Eleanor Riley Connor. Others include her sister Mary Eleanor (Paddy) Connor Climes, brother James Argus (Sonny) Connor Junior and wife Judith (Tim), brother-in-law Allan Houston Brookshire and nephew David Allan Brookshire.
She is survived by her devoted son James Christopher (Chris) Staley. Others include her sister Trudy Beth Connor Haub and husband Tom as well as sister-in-law Joy Camille Staley Brookshire. Janis was blessed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins from around the country.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The Rosary will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. The mass will begin at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar Society or the charity of their choice.