Viola Donaldson

Howell

Sister Viola Donaldson Howell was born May 25, 1932 in Saint Stephens AL to the parentage of the late William "Bill" Merida and Hattie Tarleton Merida.

Sis. Howell united with Mt. Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. During her early years, she served as a Deaconess, Missionary, and Sunday School teacher. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. She was a homemaker and devoted her life to caring for the elderly. She departed this life Thursday, October 30, 2014 in Montgomery, AL at the home of her daughter and caregiver, Harriett.

She was preceded in death by husbands Surry Donaldson, Jr. and James Howell, and two sisters, Myrtle Pope and Louise Johnson.

She will be cherished in the hearts of her loving and devoted family; three sons, Harold (Willie Ruth) Donaldson of Lower Peachtree, AL; Surry Donaldson, III of Montgomery, AL, and Ernest (Jennifer) Donaldson of Delray Beach, FL; four daughters, Elaine Taylor and Tammie (Marchella) Mitchell, both of Millry, AL; Harriett (Rander) Chapman and Ethel Johnson, both of Montgomery, AL.; one sister, Ellarene Houze of Frankville, AL; two brothers, Joe Lewis (Geraldine) Merida of Grove Hill (Toddtown), AL, and W.D. Merida of Citronelle, AL; one brother-in-law, David Johnson of Eight Mile, AL; sister-in-law, Rosie Merida of Frankville, AL; son-in-law, Ossie Merida of Frankville, AL; 21 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, 11am until the 12 noon service at Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Mt Bethel Road, Frankville, AL. Rev. Anthony Kimbrough, pastor and eulogist. Burial in Church Cemetery.