Violet Mae Meade of Bluefield, VA and Surfside Beach SC, was the daughter of late Dewey and Mae Meade. Violet was a Professor Emeritus of Physical Education who taught many over the course of 35 years. Violet’s enthusiasm for her chosen profession was shown throughout her career and beyond. Her teaching career spans over many universities: Bluefield College, Radford University, Duke University, University of South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina College. Violet was one of the first to educate students to become physical education teachers for Special Needs.
Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Coastal Carolina University in 1992, she was a pioneer in Women’s College Sports. One of the first women coaches in volleyball and basketball, Violet took the 1st USC Women’s Basketball team to win a National Championship. Her love for teaching included the first annual Special Olympics in Horry County, SC. Violet’s roots and first love were in Virginia. Her enthusiasm for sports were purely for the love of the game and was contagious. She was a member of American Physical Health Education and Recreation Association, and an Honorable Member of the Nana Mouskouri Fan Club. She was an avid Golfer, World Traveler, player of the piano, and a music lover. Violet was full of life and lived each moment to its fullest. Violet was loved by many and will be sorely missed by all.
Her twin, Ina Lou Parlette, siblings Bob, Joe, Neil Ecker and Phillis Sealock predeceased her. Survivors included brother, Thomas Ecker, 1st Cousin, Margaret Cochran, niece, Pam Huynh, nephews Martin, Ronald, and Stephen Parlette.
A service to celebrate Violet’s life will be held on Wednesday August 5, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. in her hometown at Memorial Baptist Church. Friends may visit with the family 1 hour prior to the service. Violet will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Cemetery. In leu of flowers please make donations to the Special Olympics.
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