Viola "Vi" Brown

"Vi" Viola Brown (Schall) passed away on August 24, 2025 at the age of 98. Daughter of John and Elizabeth Schall, Vi was born in Wadsworth on July 17, 1927 and lived in Akron, Copley, and Northampton, Ohio. Vi graduated from Buchtel High School in 1945 and the University of Akron in 1949 with a degree in elementary education. She was also a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

While at college, she met her husband, Charlie. Married in 1948, they were married for 55 years until his death in 2003. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Vi was also a dedicated and caring teacher, retiring from Copley-Fairlawn City Schools after 25 years of service. Active in the church, Vi served as a deacon and elder at First Grace UCC as well as a choir member and soloist for over 50 years.

"Giving back" was extremely important to Vi who volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Children's Hospital, Good Neighbors, and the Hunger Food Program. She was most recently a member of the Bath UCC.

Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth Schall Gordon; daughter, Susan Lynn Brown; and husband, Charles L. Vi is survived by daughter, Deborah James (Robert) Austin, TX; son, Charles J. Brown, Weyers Cave, VA; grandsons, Jonathan Thorn (Kerri) of Ft Worth, TX; David, Kyle, and Ryan Brown of Stephens City, VA; Brennan Brown, USAF, RAF Lakenheath, UK; two great-grandaughters, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff of The Village of St. Edward at Wadsworth and Northeast Ohio Hospice for their loving care and support. Gifts in memory of Vi can be made to The Village of St. Edward Foundation, 3131 Smith Rd, Akron, Ohio 44333 or to Northeast Ohio Home Care & Hospice on their website.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a private graveside service for family.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)