VIOLA TITUS
Viola A. Titus, 95, died Saturday at Kitty Askins after a short illness.
A native of New York State, Miss Titus spent her life working with the visually impaired. She graduated from Keuka College, New York, in 1942. Blind since childhood, she was the first totally blind student to graduate from this college. She was awarded a Doctorate of Humanities from Keuka College in 1981. She came to North Carolina in 1942 when she was employed with the North Carolina Department of Social Services and worked as a social worker with Services for the Blind. Originally based in Asheville, she was transferred to Goldsboro in 1945.
Miss Titus retired in 1975 and remained active with persons with visual impairments. Originally, she took over a visually impaired community group to increase community awareness and provide socialization opportunities for these individuals. This group later became known as the Viola Titus Friendship Group and continues to meet bimonthly
She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she was a circle leader for the United Methodist Women, was a UMW member since 1945, a Sunday School Teacher for both high school and adult classes, and an active member of 60-Uppers. She was a member of the Downtown Lady Lions Club, and a former member of the Business and Professional Women's Club. For member years, she went to Brian Center to play music for the residents there.
Miss Titus received numerous citations and honors for her volunteer work. In 1989, the Lions Club honored her with the John Stickley Fellow. In 1997, the Committee for Persons with Disabilities awarded her the Mayor's Trophy. In 1974, she received a life membership in the North Carolina Association for the Blind for notable service for the field of sight conservation and aid to the blind. In 1989, she received the Volunteer of the Year from the RSVP, as a volunteer for the group for 25 years. In 1991, she received the Jefferson Award for Community Service.
Miss Titus was the daughter of the late Bertha Rhines Titus and William Ira Titus.
She is survived by one brother, Harold Titus of Zebulon; nieces, Lorraine Fusare, Dorla Johnson and husband Robert, Joanne Titus Smith; and nephew, John Howe.
She was preceded in death by brothers, John Titus, Ralph Titus, Loren Titus, and Robert Titus and one sister, Harriet Titus Howe.
Her special friend, Frances Gourley, and many other special friends also survive her.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Homer E. Morris, the Rev. Bob Bame and the Rev. Lindsey Green officiating. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium.
Friends will be received in the church parlor following the service.
Due to Miss Titus' love of church music, it was her request that memorial contributions be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Music Fund or the Pipe Organ Fund, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 7, 2005 2:02 PM