Viola Olga (Bass) Brown, 84, of Normangee passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025. A time for family to receive friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Normangee. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Hopewell Cemetery off CR 464 in Normangee.
 
Viola Olga Bass was born on July 26, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Dean Eugene and Olga Harriett (Manson) Bass. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, James Norman Brown. Their love blossomed quickly, and together they built a beautiful family, with Viola embracing her role as a devoted mother to their growing household of six. James’s career took the family on a journey across the country—from Birmingham, Alabama, to Bradley, Illinois, where they welcomed their youngest son completing their family, then on to Florence, South Carolina, before settling in Hilltop Lakes, Texas. No matter where life took them, Viola created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and the joyful sounds of children playing.
 
Family gatherings were a cherished tradition, where memories were made around full tables and in rooms echoing with laughter. Viola was especially known for her well-stocked pantry and her sweet habit of spoiling her grandchildren with treats. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her bond with James was admired by all who knew them. Their partnership was built on mutual devotion—James worked tirelessly to provide, while Viola lovingly cared for their home and family, including helping raise their grandchildren and attending countless school functions.
 
Viola’s life was deeply rooted in faith. A long-time member of First Baptist Church in Normangee, she passionately served the Lord through teaching Sunday School, caring for little ones in the nursery, singing in the choir, and participating in women’s ministries. Her commitment to her faith was evident in everything she did. She also had a joyful spirit and a love for adventure. A devoted fan of all things Disney, Viola visited Disney World many times with her loved ones, creating magical memories. She and James shared a love for travel, especially enjoying cruises together.
 
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Olga Bass, her sons, Eugene Brown and Jason Brown, her great-granddaughter, Emily Mae Pruitt.
 
She leaves behind her husband of 66 years, James Brown, her children, Debra Robinson and husband Jud, Linda Stell and husband Jerry, Salina Taylor and husband Seth, daughter in love, Stephanie Theiss, known as Mammaw to her grandchildren, Caleb Stell and Janelle, Shay Robinson and wife Sarah, Zachary Robinson, Brandi Taylor and husband Joe Jon, Jeremy Evans and wife Crystal, Matthew Taylor, Joshua Stell and wife Shantele, Josiah Mathis, Whitney Schroeder and husband John Mark, Evelyn McWilliams and husband Derek, Micah Stell and Sarina, Eric Pruitt and wife Cristina, Natalie Ogden and husband Michael, Jason Stell and wife Ashley, Logan Robinson and wife Chelsey, 49 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, her sisters, Jean Jones, Sherryl Spurling and many other family and friends.