Viola Vess Black – formerly of Charleroi
Viola Vess Black, formerly of Charleroi, passed from this earth on Feb. 18, 2023, and went to claim her rightful place in heaven. Viola was born on June 6, 1934, on a farm in rural Virginia near Clifton Forge, the youngest child of Chester and Katie Peters Vess. While working in a Woolworth store in Portsmouth, Va., she met USMC Corporal Ronald Black upon his return from Korea, and they married on Feb. 8, 1955, at the home of her brother in Portsmouth. After relocating his bride back home to Charleroi, they began their family while Ron worked in the Allenport steel mill and Viola became a housewife and young mother of two boys. Viola became a founding charter member of the Charleroi Baptist Church, and for over 50 years taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and served in numerous capacities for the church. For many years, she was also a tireless volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program in the Charleroi and Monongahela areas. Despite dementia’s effects on her mind and body, Viola remained steadfast in her Christian beliefs and her love of Jesus until the very end. She is survived by her two sons, Blane (Kim) of Washington and Greg (Sherry) of Carroll Township; her grandchildren, Shannon (Ron) Ledwich, Megan Black (boyfriend Lonnie Rudnisky), Kellyn (Chris) Epping, Matthew Black, Joseph Black, Hannah (Nathaniel) Patton and Laura Castaneda; and her newborn great-granddaughter, Elouise Bernece Epping. She is also survived by her brother in-law, Randy (Kathy) Black; brother-in-law, Richard Jones; sisters-in-law, Carole Black and Marlene Black; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Viola was predeceased by her husband, Ronald; and all her siblings, Glenn, Lacy, Catherine, Nelson, Muriel (Myrle) and Marshall. The family would like to thank the staff at Country Care Manor and OSPTA hospice service, as well as Dr. Ferdinand “Pete” Parent for the excellent care she received over the years. Funeral arrangements are being handled by HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi PA 15022 (formerly Schrock- Hogan Funeral Home). Friends and family will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, with Pastor Kevin Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Charleroi Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the local Meals on Wheels program or the Charleroi Baptist Church in Viola’s honor. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hogan-melenyzer.com.
