Viola Valentine Coker Lannou

Viola Valentine Coker Lannou, 80, of Baytown passed away with her daughters by her side on March 27, 2006 after a long battle with diabetes. She was born in Bay City, TX, on February 14, 1926 to Barney and Mary Wetherell Coker.

Viola grew up in Bush Terrace and graduated Cum Laude from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown. She attended a technical school for 2 years where she received a certificate for secretarial skills. She then met the love of her life, Gordon (GC) Lannou Sr., and they were married on August 11, 1944, when he was on leave from the Navy. After raising her family, she continued her education at the University of Houston-Main Campus where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in mathematics. She also received her Master of Education with her principal certification from the University of Houston-Main Campus. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Viola was employed as an elementary math teacher and interim assistant principal with the Goose Creek CISD from August 29, 1962 until her retirement on June 1, 1987.

Viola was a member and elder emeritus of the First Christian Church in Baytown, TX. She was also a part of the Christian Women’s Fellowship with the church, spending time volunteering in the thrift shop. She also helped with the Literacy program at Sterling Municipal Library. In addition, she was a past president of Baytown’s Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary, Station No. 1. Additionally, she served as president of the Gulf Coast Fireman’s Auxiliary and the Texas Fireman’s and Fire Marshall Auxiliary Associations. When her children were growing up Viola served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts for her sons and a Troop Leader for her daughters.

Viola loved gardening, fishing, camping, and crocheting. Along with her husband she enjoyed doing ceramics and holding classes for others in their ceramic store. On summer vacations for several years, she and her husband, along with their daughters traveled throughout the USA in their travel trailer. Before losing most of her eyesight, she was an avid genealogist. She traced the Coker and Lannou family roots back several generations. Viola and Gordon even made a trip to France to meet some of the Lannou family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Mary Wetherell Coker, and one sister, Nora Mesecke.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Gordon Lannou, Sr.; son, Gordon Lannou, Jr. of St Augustine, FL; son, Robert Lannou and wife Charcslene of Baytown, TX; son, Mike Lannou and wife Kathleen of Houston, TX; and twin daughters, Mary Sitarski and husband Frank of Baytown, TX; and Margaret Tipton of Baytown, TX; 13 grandchildren; Michelle Lannou, Christopher Lannou, John David Lannou, Daphne Zybach, Darren Lannou, Dana Moore, Beverly Lannou, Aimee Lannou, Paul Sitarski, Lori Sitarski, Alicia Tipton, Tammie Tipton, and Brian Tipton; 20 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family will receive visitors to celebrate Viola’s life on Wednesday, March 29 at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive in Baytown from 6 PM to 8 PM. Services are scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 10 AM at First Christian Church, 201 Forrest Avenue in Baytown, TX with Reverend Bob Dees and Reverend Fred Banda officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Lori Sitarski, Alicia Tipton, Tammie Tipton, Brian Tipton, Michelle Lannou, Chris Lannou, John David Lannou, and Bill Tillman. Honorary pallbearers will be the elders of First Christian Church. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Viola’s honor either to the American Diabetes Association, 2400 Augusta Dr., #175, Houston, TX 77057-4989 or to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 201 Forrest Ave., Baytown, TX 77520.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Odyssey Hospice, the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Rehabilitation Center, and the staff at the Methodist Hospital - Houston Medical Center for their loving care during this difficult time. In addition, the family extends a special thank you to Dr. Ana L. Blackman at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX for her overwhelming support and care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.