Viola Verna Willey, age 88, of Laurel, DE passed away at her granddaughter's home in Lusby, MD on March 18, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Randolph, ME on April 24, 1930, and is the daughter of the late Dorothy Caton and Lester Mallory. Viola was preceded in death by her son, James R Willey Sr., granddaughter, Lisa Willey Dougherty, seven brothers, and two sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Alicia O'Dell and husband Curtis of Lusby, MD; daughter in law, Judy Willey of Bethel, DE; grandchildren, Carl O'Dell of Lusby, MD, James R Willey Jr. of Owings, MD, Sherri Bussler and husband William of Bethel, DE, Tabatha Willey of Lusby, MD, Misty Maag of Catonsville, MD, and Jamie Willey of Bethel, DE, step-grandson, Larry Woodruff of Norway, ME; many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Anna Harper of KS and Priscilla Simington of ME.

Viola started working at a young age and retired in 1993 from the Federal Government. She loved being a Night Librarian at Crossland High School for 26 years. After retiring, she spent many hours volunteering at Jefferson Patterson Park and Battle Creek Nature Center until she moved to Laurel, DE in 2007. Viola enjoyed reading, watching Perry Mason, and lighthouses. Her most loved place to sit and read was out in her sunroom watching nature as the sun shined in. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends especially her grandchildren. Her kindness and generosity were one of a kind. Everyone she met could feel her loving, compassionate, and giving heart through her smile and laughter. She will forever be in our hearts and truly loved and missed by many.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 10-11 am at the Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. A Celebration of Life Service will be offered at 11 am with Chaplain Bill Miller officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to be made to either, Jefferson Patterson Park, 10115 Mackall Rd., St. Leonard, MD 20685 or Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, c/o Courthouse, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.