Viola C. “Vi” Holley

Viola C. “Vi” Holley, age 92 of Knoxville, Illinois died at 1:56 A.M. on Monday, October 27, 2014 at her daughter’s home in Dahinda, Illinois.

She was born on February 11, 1922 in Colmer, New Mexico, the daughter of Bailey Payton and Hazel Tyler Canady.    On April 20, 1941, she married James R. “Jim” Holley in Amarillo, Texas.  They had three children, James R. Holley, Jr., Garry W. Holley and Carol L. Holley (Rodsater).   Preceding her in death are her parents, spouse, James R. Holley, her oldest son, James R. Holley, Jr, and three sisters. 

Surviving is her son: Garry (David Pearson) Holley, of Austin, Texas and daughter Carol (Jon) Rodsater, of Dahinda, Illinois; five grandchildren, David (Shannon Aberle) Holley, Neil (Laurie) Holley, Erik (Gayle) Holley, Nick (Stefanie) Rodsater and Stacey Rodsater.  Also surviving are four great grandchildren, Austin Holley, Aaron Holley, Robert Holley and Lauren Holley. 

After graduating from high school, she attended and graduated from Cosmetology School and worked as a beautician for several years.  During WWII, Vi worked at Pantex Ordnance Plant in Amarillo, Texas making bombs.  In Dallas, she belonged to a square dance club where Judge Sarah T. Hughes was a member.  Ms. Hughes was the judge who swore in Lyndon Johnson when President John Kennedy was assassinated.  Vi went to work for AVON and became the highest salesperson in Rapides Parish, Louisiana and advanced to regional manager.  She taught Sunday School for many years and was a Girl Scout Brownie Leader. 

Vi moved to Illinois in 1963, then back to Louisiana in 1973.  In 1996 she moved back to Illinois where she served as officer at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Illinois.  She participated in the Reading Buddies Program at Mabel Woolsey School for two years. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 P.M.   Rev. Dan Lybarger will officiate. Interment will take place at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville First United Methodist Church. Online condolences and sympathy cards may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.