On June 8, 1918, GOD granted a baby girl to Clarence Wilson Sr. and Dora Bell Wilson (Burns) in Verdigris Bottom (Wagoner County)….and she was named 'VIOLA'.  Viola in Latin means 'flower' and this was exactly what she was…a beautiful ROSE to so many.

Viola attended school in Tullahassee, OK, while staying with her Uncle Willie. Tullahassee is where she met Frank Berry and married Mr. Berry in 1934.  To this union, five children were born. This union lasted 58 years until the Lord called Frank home in April, 1993.  "What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder"….…THEY ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!

Viola was known affectionately by so many names…..Momma Vi, Grandma, Mama, Mrs. Berry, Mother, Aunt Vi, LuLu and many more. She gave her all to her husband, her family, and her friends. Her favorite past-time was fishing.  All someone had to do was say…"Let's" and she would say "Go"!  She didn't really care if she caught any fish; she just loved the sport and enjoyed nature. She would tell us…."I just want to put my hook in the water!"  She was compassionate, had a big heart and was always ready to help anyone in need.  No one could come to her house without getting fed….it was mandatory that you eat! Over the years, she opened her home up to take care of several relatives children, and was a doctor to many family and friends, without hesitation or complaint.

Viola was a devout Christian who always praised God.  Even after being diagnosed with dementia, she may have forgotten a few names, but she never forgot the name….Jesus.  She started her journey with St. John A.M.E. Church under the pastoral guidance of Rev. B. S. Roberts and remained a devoted, faithful servant member for many, many years until her health failed.  Viola had a strong belief in Jesus Christ and often granted us with her version of bible scriptures.  Among those scriptures, she was known to often say…..

'God will give you rest……..IN TIME !!'

On January 4 ^th , after 99 years on this earth, Viola's earthly body was left behind as Our Queen transitioned to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by: her husband – Frank Sr.; her sons – Sylvester Sr. and Freddy; her son-in-law – Marvin Blades Sr.: her brothers – Andrew, Bobby, Jesse, and Clarence; her sisters – Pauline, Olev and Mary; two siblings who died in infancy – Curtis and Alberta; and a special niece she raised – Lillian.

Those that wait on the Lord and will always cherish her memory: her loving children, Frank Berry Jr., Shirley Thomas (Marcus), and Cecelia Berry-Blades; daughter-in-law, Anna Ruth Berry, all of Tulsa.  She also leaves to cherish: her grandchildren (approx.17), great-grandchildren (approx. 31), several great-great grandchildren, and a multitude of other relatives and friends.  She will be missed.