Viola Sebastian

Viola Mary Sebastian, 87, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at her home.

She was born Feb. 26, 1924, in Menfro, Mo., daughter of Lawrence "Edward" and Burnetta Gertrude Smith Welty. She and Vern "Bunny" Sebastian were married Feb. 27, 1943. He passed away June 13, 2007.

At the age of 16, Vi began working at the shoe factory in Perryville, Mo., later working in St. Louis and then in Jackson. But this wasn't her first "job," as she was styling hair for family and area neighbors at the age of 9. She eventually became owner/operator of Rhonda's Beauty Shop in Jackson for 13 years, then an instructor at the former Cape Girardeau School of Beauty Culture for five years. Later she worked as a seamstress at the former Lowenbaum's Dress Factory in Cape Girardeau.

Viola enjoyed sewing, dancing and music. She especially enjoyed country music and music from the 1940s era. She even taught herself to play the harmonica and chord music on the piano without knowing how to actually read music. She was a longtime member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, Cape Girardeau VFW 3838 Ladies Auxiliary, Jackson American Legion Post 158 Ladies Auxiliary and was a former member of Order of Eastern Star in Jackson.

Loving survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Wayne Parenteau of Jackson; three granddaughters, Aimee (David) Gilbertson of Jackson, Gina (Ben) Bishop of Laurel, Mont., and Tara (Jason) Morris of Jackson; a grandson, Ryan (Emily) Parenteau of St. Louis; and six great-grandchildren, Austin, Elayna, Ethan, Claire, Ollie and Noah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 64 years; a brother, Leroy Welty; and a sister, Mildred Harper.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 8:30 a.m. until service time Thursday.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.