Jay K. Stanley, 70, of Centralia passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights, Missouri. He was born on April 2, 1953, the youngest son of Victor D. and Luro Mae (White) Stanley in Herrin, Illinois.
Survivors that will mourn the passing of this beautiful soul include his dear friend, Janet Bruce, and her son Daron Bruce; brother, Stephen Stanley and wife Jane of Herrin, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Donna & Jesse Mower, Tim and Katie Stanley, Monie Stanley, Paul and Charlene Hynes, Dale and Julie Stanley, Chris and Sandy Stanley, and Kimberly Stanley; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, and friends.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Victor D. and Luro Mae Stanley; his brother, Charles F. Stanley; and his nephew, Tom Stanley.
Jay was the sole owner of The Village Greenery flower shop, bringing beauty, charm, and friendship to South Locust Street in Centralia for over 40 years. His outstanding artistic talent delivered that extra touch in every floral arrangement he lovingly made. Jay’s inviting shop was always decorated for each season, and grateful customers could count on a warm welcome, upon walking into his shop. He also was a partner and manager of the Union House Furnishing Company in Centralia for 8 years. Jay was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Centralia, where he was able to share his angelic singing voice as part of a quartet. He was a member of the Downtown Merchants of Centralia, the Centralia Cultural Society, and the Centralia Masonic Lodge #201. Jay had a love and appreciation for music and the arts. Jay’s natural ability to bring life to a character was enjoyed by all who came to watch many memorable plays he starred in at the Cultural Society, where he led by example when he directed. Appreciating the charm of vintage pieces, he was an avid collector of antiques and had a remarkable spoon collection. Jay K. Stanley touched the lives of his entire community. His attention to detail, witty sense of humor, generosity, and servant’s heart will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Greg Alvis and Pastor Rodger Randolph officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home in Centralia. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2023, at Friendship Cemetery in Goreville. Memorials may be made in Jay’s honor to the Centralia Cultural Society or the First Baptist Church of Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Jay may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfunerahomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
