Viola Gilder's Obituary
Services for Viola Gilder, 95, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Missionary Baptist Church, 410 Scarbrough, Lufkin, TX.. Burial will follow in the Davis Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is Friday from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Mortuary. Mrs. Gilder was born May 7, 1922 in Douglas, TX. and died January 26, 2019 in Lufkin, TX.
On May 23, 1922 God blessed the world with Viola Davis, Born to Elbert Davis Sr. and Lula Sanders Davis. Affectionately known as "Madear" Viola was born in Winter Hill Community and raised in Douglas Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Scott Temple of the Living God in Douglas, Texas, and after moving to Lufkin she would join First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.D. Simmons where she was a faithful member until her death. Viola attended public school in the Nacogdoches, TX. Viola met Albert Gilder and as the story has been told she was working at the Lincoln Theater in the ticket booth and "somebody said I ticket" she looked up and there was this handsome man standing there! ! After he courted her Albert and Viola was united in Holy Matrimony on March 8, 1952 in Lufkin, Texas. After marring, Albert would later go to war and Viola was left behind to care for the family. Upon her husband's discharge from the Army Viola and Albert would reside in Lufkin, Texas. Viola worked downtown at the Carolyn Shop for many years before she began working as a personal care provider. Viola worked as a personal care provider for over 40 years. Viola was affectionately known to everyone as Madea or Muh and she truly influenced and impacted the many lives she touched. Viola was very dedicated to her family and while her mother was living and before she learned to drive, she would walk to and from work daily, come home cook her super then walk to her mother's care for her and then home to resume taking care of the family. Throughout Madea's life she never met a stranger, and when she would greet you it was "HEY BABY!" with a giant smile.
Although she was quiet and reserve, when she did have something to say, all would listen. Viola was the proud mother of 4 beautiful children. Viola was preceded in death by her loving husband Albert Gilder, a daughter and son, Lonnie Charles Deckard and Virateen Pratt and her loving grandson Roderick Pratt
Left To Celebrate Her Legacy
Viola leaves to cherish in her memories two loving daughters, LaVerne Gilder, Cassandra Gregory (Curtis)., a loving son-in law Gerald Pratt; Grand Daughter Rosalind James (Joseph), Grand Son Vincent
Deckerd (LaVonda) 3 Great Grandsons Marcus Allen, Julian Pratt, Jordan Pratt 4 Great Granddaughters Rhian Pratt, Meghan Allen, Jade and Jasmine Deckerd, 2 Great Great Grand Children Kaia and Samiya Pratt., Godson Tyrone Doyle (Mary) along with and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. All will surely miss her vibrant smile.
What’s your fondest memory of Viola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viola?
Share a story where Viola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viola you’ll never forget.
How did Viola make you smile?