Gracie Bell Hancock Staples, formerly of the City of Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Manassas, died Thursday, Nov. 1. She was born on Nelson Avenue 101 years ago and died at Caton Merchant House in Manassas. Her family was prominent in Alexandria at the turn of the 19th to 20th century.
She is survived by three children, Betty Bayliss of Woodbridge, Nancy Staples Wood, of Norfolk, and Thomas M. Staples of Gainesville. She was predeceased by her husband Ben Staples, sons Anthony Diaz and Carroll Staples. She was proud of her 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She touched the lives of many through her work at a Weyanoke store, Woodrow Wilson Elementary and with garden clubs and Baptist Churches. She passed peacefully with her family by her side.
A Memorial Gathering of family and friends was held at granddaughter Pamela Maples Home in Woodbridge on Saturday, Nov. 10.