Vonona Marie Kirby

Vonona Marie Kirby (nee Decker) was born in Lemay, MO on February 3, 1944 and passed away on February 9, 2023.

"Nona" is the dear mother of Kim (Pat) O'Brien of Phoenix, AZ, Jan Trevino of Fort Worth, TX, Lora (Rich) Miller of Fullerton, CA and Kristina (Chad) Holcomb of Allen, TX; the grandmother of Joey, Brittany, Jessica, Kimberly, Kelsey, Kelly, Kalen, Nicole and Garrett; and the great grandmother of Clayton, Austin, Wade, Cody and Margaux. Throughout her life, Nona opened her home and provided care and encouragement to others. During their childhood, she was also a loving mother to Deena and Troy Kirby, Cindy Kirby, Billie Randall and Genelle.

"Nonie" is preceded in death by her parents Melvin Schaeffer Decker and Edna Mae Decker (nee Renick) and nephew Ronnie Dickey and is survived by her sister Janice (Ron) Dickey and nephews Dan (Sue) and Jeff Dickey.

From a very young age, Nona was considered a free spirit, living life with purpose, striving to seize every opportunity and enjoy every moment.  She loved listening to motivational speakers, goal setting and helping inspire others to strive for greatness. Nona also loved Jesus and sought to please him by effectively using the talents he had provided.

At age 15 Nona got her first job at "Wild's Palace of Poison'' as a carhop.  In her late teens, her modeling career led her to be crowned runner up for Miss Missouri. While raising young children, Nona became a Sales Manager for Playhouse Toys and later a District Manager for Avon Products which relocated her to Olney, IL for many years.  Nona went on to become a window sign painter and grew a thriving business. 

After overcoming stage 4 breast cancer at age 44, she persevered with purpose and love.  She moved to Jacksonville Florida in 2008, where she achieved her lifelong dream of living on the beach.  In her later years, Nona actively supported organizations and companies providing products and services to those in need.  Despite health challenges, Nona willed herself to continue enjoying her life and living independently in Fairview Heights, IL.   She celebrated her 79th birthday in North Texas with family on Friday, February 3rd, 2023.

Nona raised four daughters, each of them like their mom in many ways; strong, independent, creative and capable.   Three were at her side as she drew her last breath. As she did, the phone rang and the fourth joined, having been prompted by the hand of God to call at just the right time. At that moment, the sun shone through the window onto her face, and His light was shining upon her and giving her rest.

Nona became a born again Christian on February 21, 1989.  Throughout her life, Nona encouraged others to "be the best you can and do all you can."  We are thankful for all she taught us. We will miss her.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 20 with a procession to Park Lawn Cemetery beginning at 2:30 p.m. from Fey Funeral Home at 4100 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis, MO.

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