Dr. Viola Ernestine Pate Masters
October 13, 1930 – September 4, 2026

Viola, or, as many people in her hometown referred to her, Ernie, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 4, 2026. She was the wife of retired Lt. Col. (deceased) Robert M. Masters of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

She was born in Kinston, North Carolina, and grew up on a farm outside the city limits of Kinston. She always described that time as idyllic. The family had chickens and grew fresh vegetables with her loving parents, Floyd W. Pate and Evelyn Alma Pate. She grew up loving books and learning. She excelled in college and belonged to the League of Women Voters.

Viola Ernestine met and married Robert Masters after he received his wings as a second lieutenant in the Air Force in Texas. Viola Ernestine continued her education while teaching fourth grade at Shalimar Elementary until she earned her doctorate in early childhood education. She was Teacher of the Year many times at Shalimar Elementary.

Viola Ernestine was excellent at giving loving advice to her family and friends, as well as encouraging her students over the years. After retiring from teaching, she took a part-time job at the Indian Temple Mound Museum, where she established many new friendships that were particularly dear to her. She sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach and had many friends in her church family as well.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Masters Chapman of Merritt Island and Linda Masters of Montreal, Canada; four granddaughters, Shanna Burkhardt, Sarah Chapman Howell, Kristie Burkhardt, and Rachel Chapman; and one great-granddaughter, Sydney Sharai Chapman Howell.

She is also survived by many good friends from her time at Shalimar Elementary, many good friends from the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and many good friends from the First United Methodist Church.

On September 27, the Celebration of Life ceremony for Viola Ernestine (Ernie) Pate Masters will begin with her inurnment at Jesse Rogers Memorial Cemetery at 1pm.

The celebration will continue at the Indian Temple Mound Museum, part of the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, located at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The program will begin at 2pm and will conclude with an invitation for family and friends to share their memories of this phenomenal woman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heritage Park and Cultural Center.