Viola Surface

Our beautiful mother, Viola Sylvia Surface, 87, of Delta went home to be with Jesus and Daddy on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, at home, surrounded by her family.

Momma was born Oct. 25, 1925, at Randles to William and Ivy Jones Lusk, and was raised in Fornfelt. She met and fell in love with Melvin Surface Sr. and they were married April 20, 1944.

To that union eight children were born: Mary Louise Van Matre (Bobby) of Billings, Mo., Patsy Ann Toombs and Nancy Lenora McIntyre (Darrell) of Cape Girardeau, Linda Mae Wells (Steve) of Jackson, Marvin Gene Surface (Nettie) of Leopold, Mo., Judy Laverne Crain (George), Joyce Sue Metcalf and Melvin Surface Jr., all of Delta; a grandson that she raised from infancy, David Allen Johnson (LaDonna) of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Dorothy Lusk of Scott City; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; precious animal companions, Molly, Snuggles and Baby; and a host of lifelong friends.

Mother was a wonderful parent, wanting to know where her children were at all times. When the calling came on Dad to become a Pentecost preacher, mother became a preacher's wife and she fit the role perfectly because she loved the Lord with her whole being.

Mother became a widow at the age of 52. She devoted the rest of her life to her family. In her later years, she was a devoted bingo player and loved to go to thrift stores and garage sales.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years; a daughter, Mary, who died Dec. 4, 2008; a brother, Frances of Greenville, Mo.; and two sisters, Pearl Halter of Jackson and Marie Lusk of Scott City.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Kory Douglas officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri or Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.