->RANDOLPH -- Viola May Brooks, 84, beloved sister, auntie and friend, went to sleep in Jesus on June 6, 2009, awaiting the resurrection at the second coming of our Lord.The daughter of Harry and Hazel Brooks, Viola was born on April 17, 1925, in Worcester, Mass. Her family later moved to Maine, where Viola attended Erskine Academy and Morse High School, graduating in 1943. In 1950 she earned a bachelor of science degree in theology from Atlantic Union College, South Lancaster, Mass. After graduating, she began her lifelong career as a Bible instructor for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, residing in Spokane, Wash., Pendleton, Ore., and several places in California, including Bakersfield, San Francisco, Turlock, Fullerton and Santee. While in California, Viola earned a master's degree in public health from Loma Linda University in 1978. After 43 years of service to the church, she moved back to Maine in 1993, settling in Randolph. She was a member of the Farmingdale Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a Bible Instructor, Viola worked for a church evangelist, assisting with evangelism meetings and follow-up visits to people who expressed an interest in learning more about the Bible. She traveled to their homes, where she prayed with them, conducted Bible studies, supported them in their spiritual journey and comforted them in their time of need. Viola helped many people with their financial needs. She gave emotional support to anyone in need of a compassionate listener. Viola was a passionate supporter of Christian education, healthy living and worldwide mission work. She made many lifelong friendships wherever she lived. Viola was predeceased by a sister, Bertha Pelton; and brothers Harry Brooks Jr., George Brooks and Stanley Brooks. She is survived by her sisters, Lillian Crommett of Augusta and Eleanor Hines of Hendersonville, N.C.; niece Betty Flint and her husband, Herb, of South China; niece Sandra Curtis of Windsor; niece Janice Hisler and her husband, Andrew, of Somerville; niece Jill Richards and her husband, Dennis, of Healdsburg, Calif.; niece Joy Wescott and her husband, Douglas, of Clinton, S.C.; nephew John Crommett and his wife, Carolyn, of Augusta; nephew Pastor Roscoe Pelton Jr. and his wife, Pauline, of Windsor; nephew Gerald Pelton and his wife, Patricia, of Weeks Mills; nephew Leslie Brooks of Dudley, Mass.; nephew Harry Brooks III of Worcester, Mass.; niece Suzanne Norcross of Wiscasset; nephew Stanley Brooks Jr. of Phippsburg; and nephew Richard Gallant of Brunswick. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the Farmingdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 584 Maine Ave., Farmingdale. Donations may be made in Viola's memory to the Worthy Student Fund of the Farmingdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 584 Maine Ave., Farmingdale, ME 04344; or to Adventist Frontier Missions, P.O. Box 286, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0286. The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation to the staff at the MaineGeneral Alzheimer's Care Center and HealthReach Hospice for the compassionate care of their loved one. Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave. Gardiner.