Viola Pettus facts for kids
Viola Pettus was an American nurse born in 1886. She lived in Marathon, a town in Brewster County, Texas. Viola is remembered in Texas for her brave work as a nurse during the terrible 1918 flu pandemic.
A Nurse Who Cared for Everyone
Viola Pettus learned her nursing skills through experience, not from a formal school. She ran a small tent hospital in a quiet part of west Texas. During the 1918 flu pandemic, she helped everyone who needed care. This included people from all backgrounds, even members of the Ku Klux Klan. Her kindness came from her strong belief in helping others.
Viola also cared for Mexican people who crossed into Texas without official papers. This sometimes caused problems with local authorities. But she believed everyone deserved help.
Opening a School for Children
Before 1929, Viola and her husband, Benjamin Pettus, opened their home in Marathon, Texas. They welcomed African-American and Seminole children. These children were not allowed to attend the regular schools in Brewster County because of segregation laws. The Pettus family made sure these children could get an education.
Her Family and Legacy
Viola Pettus was married to Benjamin Pettus. They had three daughters named Ura, Hazel, and Dorothy. The Pettus family lived in Brewster County, Texas, for many years. Viola's life story even inspired parts of a play called American Night: The Ballad of Juan José. This play was written in 2010 by Richard Montoya.
