Viola Baxter

Viola C. Baxter, 87, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and Ooltewah, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Viola was born on July 23, 1926, to Archie and Sulia Chandler. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband of 58 years, Carl Baxter, Sr.; and by her brother, Doss "Buddy" Chandler. She is survived by her three sons, Carl Baxter Jr., and wife, Rose, Archie Lynn Baxter and wife, Rhonda, and Melvin Gregory Baxter and wife, Joyce. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Amber L. Baxter, Summer Baxter Ivey and Christie Brewer; one grandson, Michael Green; four great-grandchildren, Chase Baxter Reed, Aubrey E. Ivey, Coty Ridley and Jessica Brewer; three sisters, Catherine Ingle, Mildred Dill and Lila Breedlove, of Mineola, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Early in her working career, Viola was employed by DuPont and then worked many years in the quality control area of McKee Bakery. She was passionate about carrying out her responsibilities well at McKees and was admired for the energy and dedication she brought to her job every day. Viola was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was deeply devoted to her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with them. With her kind eyes and gentle smile, she radiated love and compassion, uplifting everyone in her presence. Described through the words of the apostle Paul, her life was filled with the fruit of the Spiritlove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She was a blessing in the lives of her family and friends. Viola was most recently a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga and also attended Ooltewah United Methodist Church in earlier years. A celebration of life service for Viola will be heldat 1 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with The Reverend Keith Jones, pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, at the funeral home. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com. Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.