Viola Brown

Vi was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1931, in the middle of the depression, when material things were few and far between, but she never felt deprived. She was the only girl in her family of 4 much older brothers, and the baby of two Scottish parents who immigrated to America in 1922. She met her future husband, Jerome (or Jerry) on the bus in Detroit, while she was a young secretary. They started their life with 1000 dollars and 49 Chevy Coupe. While they were in Detroit she had her first two children, Pamela and Jim, three years apart

They remained in Detroit until her husband got work with Chrysler and the whole family packed up and moved to Florida. They were a space race family, with dad working on the rockets that later became crucial to the Space Program, and mom supporting him all the way. She was a typical 60's wife and mom with two children, and a dog; there was ALWAYS a dog. Fast forward 10 years and the baby of the family, Carol Ann was born. Mom's life changed drastically from being cub scout den mother, Girl Scout volunteer and chauffer, to taking care of the new baby. Mom's description was "we were lucky and proud to show off our family at church or wherever we went as a unit".

Vi kept the family gears turning while dad finished college and worked full time. Mom always instilled in us honesty and loves for each other, along with, in her words, the mundane things like washing dishes (Carol Ann's favorite), keeping your room clean, and taking pride in yourself and your home. Of course this continued for all of us as we became adults, and Pamela lovingly says, "mom, loves to scold". Once your mom, always your mom.

Mom went back to work in the mid seventies and had a career in the banking industry, when banks were more personal than they are today. She retired in the early 1990s' and then Dad retired. They had big plans to travel the world. Mom and dad were able to do just that for a little over a year, until Jerry died from a short battle with cancer, but I think mom won on that ‘short battle' department - 18 days takes the cake - thank you, Jesus.

Mom was always proud of her children, always loved them, no matter what, good times and bad. Her family was her life, and knowing we will be here to take care of each other was what she wanted and needed to know. We will, mom! Not to mention she often bragged about her 6 grandchildren, David, Julianne, Luke, Sam, Joanna and Alexandra, and her GREAT Grandchild, Emma.

In the days after her passing, it has been a comforting reminder of how many lives she has touched in her lifetime. Things we have long forgotten about in the daily routine of our lives, friends, family and relatives have shared with us their one special memory. It has meant the world to us all.