Viola Smith

Viola Johnson Smith was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia to the late Mary Etta Johnson and Littleton Johnson on March 12, 1930. Viola was five years old when her mother passed away, at which time she was primarily raised by her sister Virginia and her father.
Viola joined Rosebud Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful member until she was no longer able to attend regularly.
Viola was married to the late William Smith. To this union was born five children: Baby Girl Smith, Jerome, and William Alexander, who all preceded her in death. She is survived by one son, John Arthur (Maylene) Smith of Kenbridge, VA and one daughter, Laverne (Leroy) Jolly of Freeman, VA; seven grandchildren: DeRelle (Greg) Elder of Surry County, VA, Angela Lund of Portland, Oregon, Ted Smith of Meredithville, VA, John (Whitney) Smith of Franklin, KY, Bryan (Sonia) Jolly of Burke, VA, Dione (Morris) Brown of Chesterfield, VA, and Dedra (Rodney) Mills of Lawrenceville, VA; twelve great grandchildren: Darius, Sonali and Shaan, Andreas and Freya, Luca, Monroe (deceased), Lola and Londyn, Jaylen, Julian and Journi.
Viola was blessed with twelve siblings. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred, Gracie and Virginia and six brothers, Jack, Johnnie, Lit, Charlie, Lewis and Chauncey. She is survived by three sisters: Luevenia Jackson, Gladys Mingo-Nash, and Dorothy Hatchett; one step-brother Jim Tisdale and one step-sister Nellie Fegans; one sister-in-law Sarah Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Viola did not work outside of the home for years, as she was a devoted mother providing round-the-clock care for her youngest son Jerome, who was born with developmental disabilities. Eventually, she gained outside employment with Railway Handle Corporation, where she remained a proud employee for twenty-two and a half years, retiring in March 1995.
Viola demeanor was always friendly and joyful. She was family-oriented and always willing to help others in need. Viola enjoyed sharing jokes, belly laughing and reminiscing about the good old days with family members and friends.
Viola will be dearly missed and her legacy of laughter, love and wisdom will forever remain in our hearts.
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