Viola Harris Obituary

Mrs. Viola Harris, beloved wife to the late Dearon Harris for 47 years, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Harris was born May 20, 1935 to Lillie Mae Wilson and Dan Hall and was the matriarch and foundation of her family. A devoted mother of two and grandmother of five, Mrs. Harris' greatest joy came from nurturing and providing guidance to her family. Her famous Sunday dinners were a weekly tradition that brought together not just family but friends and neighbors as well. Mrs. Harris' homemade pound and red velvet cakes were legendary and she delighted in passing down her culinary secrets to her children, grandchildren and daughter-in-law. In addition to her role as mother, Mrs. Harris' professional career included 35 years as an early childhood educator. She began her illustrious career at Holy Name Priory, San Antonio, Florida and upon retiring from the priory started her own independent childcare service. Although sometimes strict in her approach to learning, she provided an environment where children could thrive and grown, and never doubt that they were loved. Her love for children was matched only by her love for her church, Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, which she attended since 1954. Viola joined the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist church in 1950 where she served diligently in choirs #1 and #2 choir, intermediate president of the mission dept, member of the deaconess board, and the culinary sta. She also served as the president of the intermediate woman of the #2 union foreign mission for many years. Viola was preceded n death by her great grandson, Elijah Roberts; and 2 brothers, John and Wallace Hall. Viola leaves to cherish her loving memories: a loving and devoted son, Wallace Harris(Nitza) of Southern Maryland; a loving daughter, Gloria Roberts (Levy) of Clarksville, Tennessee; 5 grandchildren, Franklin Roberts of Clarksville, Tennessee; a devoted and loving grandson, Christopher Roberts (Sabrina) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Crystal Harris (Thomas) of Zephryhills, Florida, Wallace Harris, Jr. of Southern, Maryland, and Dearon Harris of Southern, Maryland; 9 great-children, Amber Brown of New Jersey, Imani Roberts of Clarksville, Tennesse, Malik Evans (Jasmine) of Alabama, Franklin Roberts, Jr. of Tampa, Florida, Tiana Roberts of Apopka, Florida, Xavier Williams (Saniya) of Zephyrhills, Florida, Ayden Harris of Zephyrhills, Florida, Dominique Roberts of Clarksville, Tennessee, Jayden Roberts of Clarksville, Tennessee, Ja'Mar Mention, Jamal Mention, and Jabari Mention all of Dade City, Florida, adopted grandchildren, Carlos Alvarez, Hollie James, Derek Roberts, Nigel Roberts, Courtnee Scott, Corbin Gaskins, Josiah Harrison, Omarion Harrison, Maniyah Stephens, Danita Craig, Yanina Sanders, Summer Davis, Cailan Allen (Juan), LaJuana Harpe, and Morgan Evans, Jr.; godchildren, Mary Little, Angie Simms, Angie Anderson, Vanessa Green, Janice Butler, Felice Gonzales, Monique Brown, Richard Roberts, Micheal Standifer, and Trevon Giles; 2 loving and devoted friends, Neudie Scott and Barbara Davis.
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