Violet May Saunders Worley, 96, passed from this world, ceasing her labors on February 15, 2022.

Born September 28, 1925 in Glasgow, Virginia, she was the first of five children born to the late Berk Grady Saunders and the late Margaret Elizabeth Brads Saunders.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Lloyd George Worley, and by her son, George Saunders Worley; also by her much beloved siblings, Rebecca S. Hill, Berk Grady Saunders Jr. and Carroll Lloyd Saunders.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlene M. Worley, and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Faye B. Worley. She was loving Nana to grandchildren, Gavin G. Worley (Mary Carson) and Daisy M. Thomas (Andrew) and to great-grandchildren, George Silas Worley, Charles Jeter Worley and Emma Clair Thomas. She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Ruby S. Shafer and sister-in-law, Mrs. Kiyoko I. Saunders, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her love of learning led to a lifetime career of teaching. In 1943 she began at the Arnolds Valley two-room school house, teaching grades 1-3. She taught at Natural Bridge Elementary School and was principal at Goshen and Effinger elementary schools before her retirement in 1984. She loved her students and the challenge of figuring out how they learned, relishing the moment they learned something new. She remembered so many of her former students fondly and often.

May started college in 1956. She attended Madison College for nine summer sessions and one full year, graduating in 1965. She took a master's degree at the University of Virginia.

She served as an elder of High Bridge Presbyterian Church and former regent of the Natural Bridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was former president of the Rockbridge Education Association and a member of professional organization Delta Kappa Gamma.

May's many hobbies included gardening, genealogy, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, writing, and pinching starts of antique roses and wildflowers wherever she went. She loved her family and her community and worked tirelessly on their behalf.

The family wishes to thank staff at the Borden Center at Kendal in Lexington, who helped care for her. Their kindness and dedication is greatly appreciated.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, February 19 at 2 p.m. at the Glasgow Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.