VIOLA JOHNSON ROBERTS

Viola Johnson Roberts, 99, will be laid to rest in the High Grove Cemetery in Bastrop County, Texas, on Sunday, September 21, 2008, next to her infant son Reeves Leslie and other beloved family members-back home after almost 84 years. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Wes Wells officiating. Viola was born November 7, 1908, in Bastrop County, Texas, and 16 years later married Bill Roberts. They moved half way across the state for him to work in the oil fields at Texon. After saving enough money to purchase farmland near Whitharral and Slaton, they moved to the High Plains of Texas. The Great Depression swept across the country and there were two more moves to farms in the Eola and Wall communities. Wanting to run some cattle and sheep, they bought land in Schleicher County (Bailey Ranch community) in 1938. Finally, after six moves and twenty-two years, in 1946 they put down roots in San Angelo, where they spent the rest of their lives. Throughout the years that they spent farming and ranching , Viola never shied away from any task. She worked long hours of hard work-milking the cows, separating the milk, churning the butter, tending the garden, canning fruits and vegetables, taking care of her chickens (including using the shotgun to get rid of the varmints), making her own lye soap, chopping and picking cotton, drenching the sheep . . . the list goes on and on. She was also cooking three square meals a day, washing, ironing (using a flat iron heated on the coal stove), sewing clothes for herself and her daughter, cutting everybody's hair, and selling butter and eggs in town or swapping them for groceries. With her country girl ways, it is really amazing how quickly she adapted to city life in San Angelo, finding work in the food service and retail areas where she thrived. Working with fellow employees and greeting and helping customers suited her gregarious personality nicely. There was always lots of friendly bantering and daily practice at getting in the last word. She was plain spoken and voiced her opinion in every situation , but her quick wit helped offset her bluntness. Viola maintained a stubborn determination, an indomitable spirit, and a fiercely independent attitude her entire life. She was a firm, loving mother and grandmother. The "grands" spent many happy hours with "Nanny," listening to her stories, eating her delicious home cooking, and enjoying the non-structured time to run and play. She also formed lifelong friendships everywhere she lived and cherished the hours she spent with family and friends. She was a long-time member of home demonstration clubs (as they were called originally) and enjoyed attending local meetings as well as district and state conventions. Later in life, she had time to join quilting groups, volunteer at the San Angelo State School, and "dress" dolls for the Salvation Army. She loved growing flowers, puttering around her yard, sewing, cooking and attending gospel singing gatherings in San Angelo and area towns. Viola was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lillian and Reeves Johnson; brother, Clay; infant son, Reeves Leslie; grandson, Kyle Crews; and daughters-in-law, Deanie and Karen Roberts. She is survived by two sons, W. V. (Red) Roberts and wife, Juandelle of Midland; W. B. (Jim) Roberts, San Antonio; and daughter, Helen Crews, San Angelo. She is also survived by four grandsons, Rod, Rick, Trey and Brett Roberts; their spouses, Susan, Kimberly, Becky and Nicole; granddaughter, Cami Crews; three great- grandchildren, Ryan, Robin and Colton, and nieces and nephews. Her family's hearts are filled with gratitude for each person who touched Viola's life in a loving, uplifting way. Thirteen of the happiest years of her life were shared with Rio Concho West friends. At Sagecrest, employees, volunteers, residents' family members and visitors engaged her in daily activities and conversations; listened; joked and laughed with her and patiently and lovingly assisted her. Viola's life at Sagecrest was enriched further by LaNelle Sherrod who loved and cared for her like a daughter. Lena Lois Dunlap and Doris Potter-Cunningham also provided companionship and loving care before she moved to Sagecrest. Their special friendship continued the rest of her life. The family requests memorials to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center, 438 E. Houston Harte Boulevard, San Angelo, TX 76903 or to a charity of the donor's choice. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course; and I have kept the faith.