Violet was born on November 1, 1921, in Ripley, Mississippi, to the late Minnie and Luther Street. She was a longtime resident of Jackson, Tennessee, and a devoted member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, joining the congregation when it was located on Hays Avenue.
Violet’s life work was defined by caring for her son, Billy Wayne, who had cerebral palsy. She selflessly gave him a sustained, safe, and nurturing environment for his entire life. Billy preceded her in death at the age of 72. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 34 years, James William Hale in 1973, and an infant daughter, Janice Ann Hale.
Violet was very proud of her surviving daughter Carol Hale Barton and son-in-law Bill Barton of Austin, TX. She is also survived by three granddaughters whose photos she proudly displayed, Colonel (Dr.) Christie Walton, U.S Air Force and husband Lieutenant Colonel John Walton, U.S Army (retired) of Alexandria, VA; Lindsey Bilhartz and husband Dr. Rocky Bilhartz of College Station, TX; and Brittany Neff and husband Brad Neff of Austin, TX. She was also blessed with six wonderful great grandchildren, Preston, Peyton, Ryder, Reese, Will, and Matthew.
Violet’s sweet, simple demeanor and loyalty to others touched many hearts throughout her lifetime. She loved visiting with her friends at the Regency Retirement Village, who affectionately called her Miss Violet. She enjoyed shopping for a good bargain and dressing up in her best for events at the Regency. Miss Violet was rarely seen without her hair curled and her signature lipstick. She credited her longevity on having a daily tomato and sliced onion, and nightly application of Pond’s cold cream.
Friends and loved ones are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. A graveside service will be held following the visitation, at Highland Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
