Violet Petrakos

Violet Skundale Petrakos, 95, of Tucker, died May 9, 2008, the matriarch of a large family to which she was devoted throughout her long life. She was born on 12-12-1912 in St. Louis, MO. She was married to her beloved late husband, James Petrakos, for 55 years. They owned the Southern Belle Grill on Ivy Street, in downtown Atlanta and enjoyed serving their many loyal customers for many years. Violet was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta. She was an active member of the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society. She served on the board of the organization for many years. She loved participating in the activities of the Golden Group at the Church since its inception and also enjoyed volunteering at the annual Atlanta Greek Festival, where she worked in the coffee shop and helped to make the multitude of pastries needed every year for the event. She joined the Daughters of Penelope in 1936, the year it was chartered in Atlanta. She was an active member of the organization for over 60 years, holding multiple offices and chairing many committees. After the death of her husband, Jimmy, she moved to the AHEPA Home, an independent living facility, where she met and enjoyed many new friends. She spent her last few years in residence at the Golden Living Center of Briarwood. She and her family are thankful for the wonderful staff that always treated her with love and respect. Her wonderful sense of humor, love of baseball and proficiency with crossword puzzles kept her personality lively and her mind engaged into her ninth decade. Her final days were at Hospice Atlanta. The peace and comfort of the facility will always be remembered.  She is survived by her loving brother, Frank and sister-in-law Pauline Dale of Decatur; her sister, Frances Gallis of Athens, GA; her devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Anne Chanos, Elaine and Manuel Tissura, and Christine and George Mannas; and  many beloved grandchildren; great grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Her family served her with great devotion.  The family will receive friends at the A. S. Turner Funeral Home beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 11, followed by a prayer service in the Chapel at 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA at 1 :00 PM on Monday, May 12, with his Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, his Grace Bishop John, and Father George Alexson officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Tucker. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund. May her memory be eternal.  A. S. Turner & Sons