Mrs. Sybil Annette Staley (Graves), age 81, loving mother of three and adoring wife to Hurley E. Staley Sr., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, after a gallant battle with pancreatic cancer. Sybil was the second child born in Caswell County, NC, to Spencer Warren Graves Sr. and Gladys Louise Summers-Brown.
Sybil met the love of her life, Hurley Staley, in 1958 at a church social and went on to be married in 1960, and welcomed their first baby girl, Donna, shortly after. Sybil and Hurley’s love was so strong eleven months later, they were blessed with a son, Hurley Jr., and to her surprise, Sybil birthed Angie thirteen years later.
Over the years, Sybil perfected her craft of being an outstanding seamstress. She was known amongst family and friends for her exceptional sewing abilities and exquisite gowns, furs, etc. Not only was sewing Sybil’s hobby, but she also spent 30 years working for Kreigsman’s Furriers, where she made lifelong connections with the owner and his family.
Sybil was an active East White Oak Missionary Baptist Church member for over 60 years. Not only did she devote her time and energy to the usher board, but she also found lifelong friendships in the Ladies Progressive Club, where she served as treasurer and volunteer and gave back to her community.
She loved watching her husband in his botanical garden and spending time with her family in her free time. And to know Sybil is to realize she never missed a celebration. She was always called upon to make her legendary strawberry cobbler. She also spent much time keeping up with the latest news by reading the paper and watching current events.
Though Sybil loved being a mother, seamstress, and active member of her church and clubs, one of her favorite roles was being a grandmother. She treasured her time with Julian, Canada, and Evan and was determined to witness their accomplishments.
Sybil was preceded in death by her parents and sister Waverly Neal and is survived by her husband, Hurley E. Staley, Sr., son Hurley E. Staley, Jr. of Greensboro, NC; two daughters, Donna Staley Flack (Columbus) of High Point, NC; Angela Staley of Greensboro, NC; two grandsons Julian Flack and Evan Wilson; and one granddaughter Dr. Canada Staley. She also leaves her dear siblings, sister Lelia Wright (Levi) of Brown Summit, NC; and two brothers, Jaffa Graves (Cassandra) of Greensboro, NC; Spencer Warren Graves of Greensboro, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
She will be greatly missed, and we’ll never forget hearing her say, “Y'all don’t have to rush off; hurry back.”
Special thanks to her loving sister, Leila Wright, and cousins Susan Blackwell and Marva White for being astounding caregivers during Sybil’s illness.
A service honoring her life will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 at East White Oak Baptist Church; 1815 Water Street, Greensboro, NC 27405. The visitation will begin at 11am and the service will follow at 11:30am.
The interment will take place following the service at Lakeview Memorial Park; 3600 N. O'Henry Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27405.
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