Viola Mae Perry
Born on June 3, 1917, to James & Henrietta Randle in Colbert, Oklahoma. Her sister Beatrice and brother Jesse preceded her in death. Family remain citizens of the Choctaw Nation.
She rode a horse 3 ½ miles to school. At the age of 10 years old, she knew she wanted to be a nurse. She remembers their home being the place where all the sick people in the family came.
Married her childhood sweetheart, McRay Redmond and became proud parents of one child, a son, Jimmie Ray Redmond. Widowed after illness took her childhood sweetheart.
Worked at Oklahoma Air Depo as a junior aircraft mechanic, making parts for B17, B25, B29 bombers and C47 cargo planes. Also patched holes on aircrafts damaged in World War II. Training was at Langston University in Oklahoma.
Years later she met and married Charles Perry. In 1945 they all moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Charles passed in 1989.
Received LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) certification at Jane Addams School of Nursing.
Worked at City Hospital, University Lakeside and Huron Road Hospital/private duty.
Retired after working at Veterans Hospital (Wade Park location) 28 years. Worked at Rose Park Nursing Home part-time 2 ½ years after retiring.
Faithful member of Lee Road Baptist Church approximately 40 years.
Enjoyed bowling and the tournaments. Enjoyed crocheting beautiful blankets.
Attended Cuyahoga Community College at age 65. Learned how to swim at 77 years of age.
Purchased 2nd home at age 92. Member of Bedford Heights 60+ Club.
Member of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees)
Attended various seminars. Even after reaching 100 years of age opportunities for gaining greater knowledge was always embraced.
Maintained a powerful spirit of love and compassion throughout her lifetime.
When those who marveled at her age asked, “what’s your secret?” She always replied, “Stay in the Book.” The Book of which she spoke was the BIBLE.
She leaves to cherish her memory:
Son: Jimmie (Patricia)
Grandchildren: Kenneth (In memory), Tonya (Ernest), Shirelle (Robert), Kimberlee, Jimmie II, Jammie (Rochelle). 13 Great-Grands; 16 Great-Great Grandchildren, Lee Road Baptist Church family and a host of relatives and friends.