Mrs. Viola Simpson, in her 79th year, surrendered her soul on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 from her home in Muskogee.

On July 28, 1930, a beautiful, baby girl was born to Mose and Cornelia Brown in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was one of 7 sisters and 4 brothers.

Viola met and married Charles Simpson and to this union, a baby girl was born, Dorothy Simpson. Later, she added 3 children to this family; a baby boy, Gary D. Simpson, and two girls, Sheila A. Sutton and Tammy L. Barnwell.

Known to everyone who knew her as "Ms. Vi", "Grandma Vi", "Aunt Vi" or "Big Momma", to many, she was a surrogate mother, grandmother and mentor. She loved her family very much. She was quite simply the glue that kept it all together.

She joins her siblings and two of her children and a grandson in Heaven.

Lasting and wonderful memories of her loving life will be reflected upon by; a brother, Melvin Brown, Oakland, California; two daughters, Dorothy [Carl] Burton and Tammy Barnwell, all of Oklahoma City; 20 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a caravan of other relatives and friends.

The final hour will be on Thursday, January 7, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. in the Faith Deliverance Christian Center. Apostle Lathon Archie, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Booker T. Wahington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Mrs. Simpson, as she slumbers at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12 Noon to 6 PM.