Viola Meadows Snow, passed away unexpectedly, on May 19, 2025, in State College, PA. Born in Rolfe, WV on December 27, 1944, Viola’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, her profession, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and strength.
After high school, Viola graduated from cosmetology school and worked as a beautician for several years. However, her true calling emerged after becoming a mother. Her involvement with the PTA, Cub Scouts, and Brownies sparked a desire to work with children in a professional capacity. Viola made the decision to go back to school as a non-traditional student to pursue a teaching degree. With the support of her husband, Rick, and while raising their two children, Viola obtained a degree in education in three years, exemplifying her strong work ethic and her remarkable ability to balance family life with her professional aspirations.
Her teaching career began at Wade Elementary School, where she dedicated many years to nurturing and educating young minds. Viola recognized that children must have their basic needs met and feel safe and secure before any learning could be achieved, a lesson that she carried with her throughout her career. Viola’s commitment to her students was unwavering, and she continued to enhance her teaching capabilities by obtaining a Master’s Degree and other certifications. When Viola’s husband faced terminal cancer, her resilience shone brightly as she transitioned to teaching middle school students at Graham Middle School. There, she found joy in guiding adolescents through their formative years, even amidst her own personal challenges. Viola was forever grateful to the staff and teachers at Graham Middle School for helping support her and her family through Rick’s illness.
After Rick’s passing, Viola’s love for education and her children remained the focal points of her life. Viola became a proud Hokie parent as Michael attended and graduated from Virginia Tech. Viola continued her education and earned her own degree from Virginia Tech in Counselor Education. Viola’s career evolved as she embraced the role of school counselor at Tazewell High School, later becoming the first female Athletic Director in Tazewell County and eventually serving as the Supervisor of Special Education in Tazewell County. In each position, Viola’s tenacity, leadership, organizational skills and compassion were evident, leaving an indelible mark on the community she served and making so many friends along the way.
Viola’s life was a portrait of service and dedication. She never sought to remarry after being widowed at a young age, instead pouring her love and energy into her family and her career. Viola’s grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she was able to spend with them, and loved getting updates about their lives. She followed each of their journeys closely and was so proud of the people they are becoming. Her work ethic was unparalleled, and her nurturing ways extended beyond her immediate circle to anyone in need. Viola’s interests reflected her multifaceted character—whether it was gardening, cooking, quilting, or volunteering to help friends, family, neighbors, the pet food pantry, or the Special Olympics, she excelled because she invested herself wholeheartedly. Her quilts remain as beautiful, tangible memories of her artistic gift and the warmth she shared with others.
Viola’s legacy is carried on by her loving family: daughter, Stephanie Snow Hegstrom, son-in-law, Michael Hegstrom; son, Richard Michael Snow, daughter-in-law, Kristine Snow; her cherished grandchildren, Garren, Nathan, Emily, Isaac Snow, and Amelia Snow Hegstrom; and her sisters, Margaret Conner (Sam) and Vida Wilhelm (Wilber), sisters-in-law Jane Meadows and Iris Snow; many much loved nieces and nephews; and her dear dog and companion for the past 12 years, Molly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard H. “Rick” Snow, her parents, Clyde and Nannie Belle Meadows, her brother, Kenneth Meadows; her sister, Marcella Coker; and brothers-in-law, Robert Coker and Thomas Snow.
Viola Snow lived a life that was a beacon of resilience, education, and love. Her memory will be cherished, and her influence will continue to be felt by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She has left an indelible mark on her community, her students, and her family, who will forever honor her spirit of generosity and commitment to making the world a better place.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Mercer Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The family will accept visitors at 1:00pm and the service will begin at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:
•The Community Foundation of the Virginias, P.O. Box 4127, Bluefield, WV 24701, please designate in the memo section of the check “Rick and Viola Snow Scholarship Fund”
•Second Chance for Cats, 874 Littlesburg Road, Bluefield, WV 24701, or
•The donation of time to your favorite charity in Viola’s memory