Mrs. Viola Chevalier Barksdale

Love Itself, impeccable daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on the first day of spring, a time of rebirth and new beginnings, March 20, 2017 in Longview, Texas with her children by her side. She is survived by countless people who know how to live and love because of her example. She was born in Kelsey, Texas on May 26, 1923. She was 93. Viola was always a welcoming, accepting and nonjudgmental person. She deeply loved her family and constantly gave to and served them from a place of love. Viola hand-made each grandchild a baby blanket, blankets that were so cherished and well-loved that they became tattered beyond recognition. The people who were influenced and shaped by her quiet, unassuming life are innumerable. She inspired others with how easily and fully she accepted people, made them feel seen, loved and understood. Mrs. Barksdale is preceded in death by her eternal sweetheart Nelson Arley Barksdale. The two were married Dec. 24, 1941 and later sealed for time and all eternity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City Temple. She was a loving and devoted companion, supporting him in his professional endeavors and his ecclesiastical callings. She will be laid to rest by his side, just as she lived. Mrs. Barksdale is survived by six children and their respective spouses: Sharon and Ruben Connor, Nelson and Stefani Barksdale, Janice Erwin, Susie and Larry Johnson, Greg and Theresa Barksdale and Laree and Russ Smith. Her 37 grandchildren, their spouses, 97 great-grandchildren (and counting), and one great-great grandchild (and counting) remember her for her unconditional love and kindness, her quick wit and contagious smile. Grandchild Robert Aaron Erwin preceded her in death. William and Sarah Chevalier, raised their 13 children in Kelsey, Texas. Viola was the middle child. Her surviving siblings include: Thurza Blackshear, Jean (A.D.) Taylor and Azell (Patricia) Chevalier. Preceding her in death: Virgie Bender, Foy Chevalier, Bernard Chevalier, Esther Payne, Oni Bryant, Wanda Gibson, Faynell Green, Waymond Chevalier and Mildred Chevalier. She had a host of nieces and nephews who were close to her. Viola was the first, but not the last, person in her family to graduate from high school. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Barksdale, as she is known in her church community, selflessly served in many leadership roles including Relief Society President and Young Women’s President, Primary teacher, Cub Scout Den Leader, Visiting Teacher, Temple worker and many others. Her final calling for the church was Librarian. She and her husband served a full-time mission spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Viola Chevalier Barksdale

May 26, 1923 - March 20, 2017