Statia Treece

Statia Vancel Treece, 81, of Mulberry, died August 2, 2013, at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community after an extended illness.

Statia was born August 28, 1931, in Tazewell, Tenn., the only daughter of Ethel Maude and Curtis Vancel, who preceded her in death. She attended Wylie Elementary School, Claiborne County High School, and Lincoln Memorial University where she studied education. Before marrying Clyde William Barton Treece (December 3, 1951), she taught school at Highland View Elementary School in Tennessee. Clyde, a soldier, moved the growing family to Hanover, Germany, where Rose and Wayne were born joining Bruce who was born in Indiana.

In 1961, Clyde exited the Army allowing the family to settle in Lafayette, Indiana, and later moved to Mulberry. Statia worked a variety of jobs ranging from secretarial to manufacturing. She retired from National Homes in 1983 and worked at the Mulberry Lutheran Home. Statia's passions were cooking, causing her to be lovingly referred to as a “food pusher,” NBA Basketball; Colts Football, her favorite team; and crocheting. She also had a deep love for her church where she was a long-time member of Wea Baptist Church in Lafayette.

In addition to her parents, Statia was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, in 2000, son, Bruce, in 2008, and a brother, Dr. Tilman Vancel, in 2009.

Surviving Statia are three daughters, Rose (Joe) Lashbrook, Patricia (Donnie) Pitts, and Brenda (Mark) Thomas; one son, Wayne (Angie) Treece; one brother, Thomas (Glenda) Vancel; nine grandchildren, Lana Greene, Melissa Davis, Leah Bradley, Tosha Chapman, Matthew Pitts, Hilary Schwarzmueller, Kevin Pitts, Tristan Thomas, and Hunter Cory; 18 great-grandchildren; three nephews, Lewis Vancel, Harold Vancel, and Todd Vancel; and one niece, Shannon Grace.

Visitation for Statia will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013, at Genda Funeral Home Mulberry Chapel from 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Fair Haven Cemetery in Mulberry.  Memorials in Statia’s name may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.