Verna Mae Staten Woodson, 84, of Alton, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Willow Rose Nursing Home in Jerseyville.
She was born Feb. 10, 1930, in Alton, the daughter of Ben F. and Catherine (Baker) Staten.
Verna graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School and Marquette High School before marrying Ralph Woodson, who preceded her in death.
She would then follow her father, Ben Staten, into the family business by becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and operating Staten Funeral Home in Alton for more than 50 years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton and of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. She loved to visit with all the families she served at her funeral home and was quoted as saying: “She left her troubles upstairs at her residence because bereaved families have their own troubles and they are coming to her for help.” She was active in the community supporting St. Mary’s Church, Ursuline Convent and many local nursing homes. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews.
She is survived by three grandchildren, Chris Woodson and his wife, Sarah, of Newport Beach, Calif., Heather Springman of Troy, Mo., and Ryan Woodson of Alton; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Springman, Ashton Springman, Ella Woodson and Sophie Woodson of Newport Beach; a daughter-in-law, Jane Woodson of Alton; a sister, Kay Barnett; and a sister-in-law, Georgia Staten of Alton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Champ Woodson, sister Evelyn Staten Costello and brothers Richard “Dick” Staten and Jim Staten.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at Staten Funeral Home in Alton.
A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. Jim Walter as celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton.
Memorials may be made to Willow Rose Health Center, Jerseyville, IL 62052.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com.