Mrs. Viola Potter-Huffman

With deepest regret, we announce the passing from this life of Mrs. Viola Potter-Huffman, on Saturday morning, October 24 2015, at Traylor’s Retirement Community. Mrs. Huffman was a native of Malone, Alabama, and life-long resident of Roanoke.

Public viewing and visiting hours for Mrs. Huffman will be observed on Friday, October 30, 2015 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

Mrs. Huffman will be in state for one hour, at the Saint Paul Baptist Church, 1144 Henry Street, Roanoke, Alabama, where Funeral Services will be observed on Saturday, October 31, 2015, beginning at 12:00 Noon (Central Standard Time).

Officiating will be Moderator William Phillips. The Reverend J.D. Darden will serve as Eulogist; Reverend Jeffery Rosser is Pastor. Other clergy sharing the roster include: Reverend Dr. Melvin Owens, Reverend G.E. Robinson, Reverend Otis Wilson, Bishop Lathonia Wright, and Reverend Bruce O. Alford. Also appearing on the program will be Sister Kathleen Spratley, President, Women's Auxiliary, Northeast District State Convention.

Serving as Honorary Pall Bearers will be the Deacons of Saint Paul Baptist Church; Active Pall Bearers, Grandsons; Honorary Flower Attendants, Saint Paul Baptist Church Missionary Society and Deacons’ Wives’ and Granddaughters; Active Flower Attendants, Women, Northeast District State Convention.

Burial will follow in the East Roanoke Cemetery, (Corner of Avenue “A” and Chemical Avenue) in the historic East Roanoke, district.

THE OBITUARY

Mrs. Viola Huffman of Roanoke, AL made a quiet transition from this earthly life to her heavenly home on October 24, 2015 at Traylor Retirement Community.

Mrs. Huffman was born to the late Mr. Samuel and Ella McLemore-Potter in Malone, AL. She attended the public schools in Randolph County, Alabama. She later earned her Certificate of High School Completion at Southern Union College, earned her Diploma of Theology from American Baptist Theological Seminary, Continuing Education Certificates from Tuskegee Institute Hospital Dietetics Services from John A. Andrew Hospital, Certificates of Continuing Education in Dietetic Services from Auburn University and Certificate of Completion from Tuskegee Institute Human Resource Development. She retired from the Randolph County Hospital.

Mrs. Huffman was married to the late Deacon Ernest Huffman. To this union she was blessed with five children. She accepted Christ at an early and joined the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Malone, Alabama and later joined Saint Paul Baptist Church in 1943 under the leadership of Rev. N. H. Carr. As a member, Mrs. Huffman served in many capacities that included President of the Missionary Society, Sunday School Teacher, President of the Adult Choir, Kitchen Ministry, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Baptist Training Union and Choir Member. She served as the President of the Northeast District State Women Auxiliary, Music Directress of the East Alabama District Association and the East Alabama Congress of Christian Education. She was also present in the schools making sure black students were treated equally, a financial supporter of Selma University, Selma, AL, founder of the first Community-wide Black History Program in Roanoke, Al and member of the Lily White Chapter #352 of the Eastern Stars; but most importantly she was a SERVANT OF GOD and exemplified the best in Christian motherhood.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Potter, husband Ernest Huffman and daughter Dr. Earnestine White; her sisters Addie Potter-Rowland, Lizzie Potter-Dorsey, Mae Potter-Longshore; brothers James Potter, Stonewall Potter, Guy Potter, Edward Potter, Mack Potter and Pete Potter. She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Ella Huffman of Roanoke, AL, Darnell (Freddie) Rowell of Columbus, GA and Voncille (Robert) Molette of Spokane, WA; one son: Charles Huffman of Douglasville, GA; two sisters: Gladys Bush, Massillon, OH, and Elizabeth Strong, Akron, OH; one brother Fred (Loretta) Potter, Denver, CO, one step brother Rev. Otis (Dawn) Wilson; step-mother Emma Wilson, Roanoke, AL; twelve (12) grandchildren: Stephania Toney, Dr. Stacey Webb, Ellis Johnson, II, Julius White, IV, Courtney White, Dierdre White, Fredric Rowell, Andrea Burns, Staff Sergeant Brandon Molette, Marques Molette, Charles Huffman, II, Christopher Huffman, thirteen (13) great-grandchildren; in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and three children she took under her wings: Terrell, Jerrell and Kilman Johnson, and other relatives.

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