Viola E. Merritt, 78, of Big Spring, died on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael King, pastor of St. Stephen AME Church of Pittsburg, Texas officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.She was born on May 29, 1925, in Henderson, Texas. She married Roosevelt Brown, who preceded her in death and later married Charlie Merritt on June 30, 1965 in Big Spring. He preceded her in death in July 1985.Viola was a teacher for the Big Spring Independent School District for thirty and a half years teaching at Lakeview and Marcy Elementary. She was a member of the N.A.A.C.P., and the Texas State Teachers Association. She was a member of Baker's Chapel AME Church where she served as the Superintendent of Sunday Schools, the president of the Missionary Society, Stewardess and Steward for the church and a member of the Churches Women United. Survivors include three sons & daughters-in-law, Roosevelt Jr. and Nancy Brown, of Los Angeles, California; James and Celeste Brown of Henderson, and Charles and Birdell Brown of Big Spring; three sisters, Annie Irving of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Lela Mims of Los Angeles, California, and Juanita Dunn of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Landy West of Dallas, Nicole Brown of Los Angeles, California, and Rochelle Brown of New York City, New York; three step- grandchildren, Allen Rayson of Dallas, Rene Henry of Big Spring, and Andre Moss of Chicago, Illinois; and one sister-in-law, Overa Miller of Kansas City, Missouri. The family suggest memorials to the Bakers Chapel AME Church, 911 N. Lancaster, Big Spring, Texas 79720.The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Monday at the funeral home.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
