Viola Arlenda (Hopkins) Demry was born January 6, 1935 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Nola Turrentine, and Quintin Hopkins. She spent her earlier life in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, then moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa.
In early years Viola’s first marriage to Howard Barnes, Sr., 4 children were born, Rita Barnes, Howard Barnes, Jr., Kathy Barnes, Nyla Barnes. In later years she met and married Stanley Demry, no children were born to this marriage. Stanley shared with Viola a daughter from an early marriage named Stacy Wright. Stanley was the Love of Her Life, she cared for him until he transitioned.
Preceding her in death, her Spouse Stanley Demry, Mother Nola McNeely and Step Father Early McNeely, and a Grandson, Samuel Ray Leonard.
Viola gave her life to Christ at a young age. She was an accomplished Pianist, who learned to play by ear. She shared this gift with the church, she playing the piano and her mother playing the organ.
Viola is the Matriarch of our family. She had a way with words of wisdom, by being straight forward, sassy with a sense of humor. Her Love for all of us, her strength, guidance is everlasting. Nothing ever stopped her from saying “I Love You”!
She is survived by her children Rita McKinney (Perry McKinney) (Tulsa), Howard Barnes, Jr. (Belinda Moore) (Tulsa) Kathy Barnes Brown (Rodney Brown) (Broken Arrow), Nyla Brown (Frank Brown) (Tulsa), Stacy Wright (Las Vegas, NV), Grandchildren Stephen Leonard (Marissa Leonard, Angela Leonard, Christy Leathers (Barnes), Brandon Barnes, Anthony Hughes (Jessica Hughes), Julius Hughes (Shawn Issac Hughes), Tyrell Hughes (Danielle Hughes), Brianna Patrick (Jamelle Patrick), James Marshall III (Sherita Marshall), Rogers Marshall (Jessie Young), Sha’Keisha Brown, and a host of Great Grand Children, Great-Great Grand Children, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.
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