May 1, 1927 - September 30, 2020
Roma Viona Early
Roma Viona Early, 93, of West Memphis, Arkansas, passed away on September 30, 2020. Services are scheduled for Monday, October 5, at First Baptist Church of West Memphis, with visitation from 8:00AM to 12:00PM and the service beginning at Noon. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery in the Sylva Rena community near Water Valley, Mississippi. Roller-Citizens Funeral Home of West Memphis, Arkansas, is in charge of arrangements.
Viona was the daughter of Charles Lafayette Early and Eva Gertrude Brown Early of Water Valley, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents; her four brothers, Charles Lafayette Early, Jr., William Gerald Early, Harold Vance Early, and Wayne Curtis Early; and her five sisters, Pauline Early Bloodworth, Myrtle Early Burns, Zola Early Fielder, Loyce Early Raulerson, and Lynrose Early Williamson.
Viona is survived by her nieces and nephews: Mable Hunter, Leta Brignole (Guy), Sandra Bloodworth (Fred May), Lanell Early, Susan Blackledge (George), Carol Scruggs, Betty Hollingsworth (Wayne), Nancy Hignite, Pam Covington, Kathy Vallish (Dan), Jan Raulerson, Billy Early (Nellie), Blake Fielder, Kim Fielder and Brad Fielder. These nieces and nephews remember their Aunt Vi as a loving, thoughtful aunt who exemplified her strong Christian faith and encouraged their love of reading. She always remembered all family members, especially the children, with Christmas gifts.
Viona graduated from Water Valley High School and attended Northwest Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi. She graduated from Delta State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in elementary schools in Mississippi and Arkansas for 38 years. Viona's Christian faith was the foundation of her activities: at First Baptist Church, she taught first and fourth grade Sunday school classes, participated in Sanctuary and Keenager choirs, served on numerous committees, and worked in the church library. Viona's family and friends will remember her faith, her service, and her love for others.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own masks.
Vi Early was such a kind person with a smile on her face. Always asking about my parents & children. She loved her church & the people in it.
You will be missed.
Aunt Vi was like a second mother to me. I loved her visits with us as a child...always had a present from her at Christmas. I remember going through her pictures every visit to her house...our long talks on the telephone after my Mama died,she helped me through it. I love you dearly Aunt Vi.
Ms Vi worked with two of my boys after school and made a huge difference in their education and success in life. She was a wonderful Lady and made a big impression.
Viona Early was a pleasure to be around. She often told stories of her growing up. She loved teaching school. She also loved the Lord and her family. She will be missed!
We loved you Miss Early and fun teaching with you. Miss Early lloved every one. And left a warm feeling in your heart.
To the family of Ms. Early.
She was my second grade teacher at Dabbs Elementary.
Very sweet lady.
Prayers,
Melissa Gandy Hight
Ms. Vi was a true example of a Christian. I enjoyed working along side her at Faulk as she always had a calm manner in dealing with her students. Sincere condolences to her family at this time.
Sweet, sweet, God fearing woman. My prayers for her family and friends. Ms Early was my second grade teacher at Dabbs Elementary many, many years ago. She was always very kind, gentle, but knew how to stand her ground and keep a bunch of mischievous little rag tag boys from the country in line. The lessons she taught in manners, morals, ethics, principles and humility still endure even until this day. This world is a much better place because of teachers like Ms Early. Rest in peace dear lady. We shall meet again in heaven.
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Ms. Early was our next door neighbor on North Center for many years. She was a sweet lady with the biggest smile. May God comfort you.
You will be truly missed
I was so sorry to hear about ms Early. She was my second grade teacher at Dabbs Elementary School in Hulbert, Arkansas which is now West Memphis, Arkansas. A lot of great memories from that class in 1960/1961 school year. We will meet again in heaven and talk about those memories.
So sorry to loose Ms Early..she taught me in 2nd grade at Dabbs and read us the Bible every morning...several years ago I spoke with Ms Early and told her I would love to have that Bible..she told me she no longer had it...precious memories of a precious teacher.
I am so sorry to hear this 😞 Ms Early was the 2nd grade teacher for my big sister, me, my little brother and my little sister. We all went to Dabbs. She will truly be missed by so many. Me and my family will be praying for her family ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ˜žðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ˜žðŸ™ðŸ»