Viola Johnson

At approximately 5:53am the spirit of Viola Mathews Johnson, formerly of 3026 Liberty Street, passed away at Sarah Reed Senior Living Center on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

Viola was born in Uniontown, Alabama, on August 8, 1927, the daughter of the late Albert and Sallie Bennett Matthews.

After having her first child, Viola and her husband, Johnnie L., became part of the second wave of African Americans who left the Jim Crow South for the opportunities of the North finally settling in Erie, PA. Later she joined the Immaculate Conception Church, Erie’s first predominantly African American Catholic Church.  She lived in Erie for the next 65 years. 

Although she dropped out of high school before leaving Uniontown, Viola held education as priority for success. She returned to school, received her GED and furthered her education at Villa Maria College earning an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development, while raising four children, working part-time at Marx Toys and keeping her home ---as she was known for----always immaculately spotless.

Viola loved all children and was an early advocate of women empowerment, so she was thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Gannondale School for Girls.  As she quickly rose to the position of Unit Director, she became to be known as “Ms. Vi”, by all the young girls she had a positive impact on. Viola enjoyed her years working at the school up until her retirement. Even into her elderly years, middle-aged women would stop “Ms. Vi” on the streets and pay respect and give thanks for her words of wisdom and encouragement for each and every one of them to stand up and be proud women.  Even during the last week of her life, a nurse’s aide at Sarah Reed referenced Ms. Vi’s words as fuel for her to go back and complete her nursing degree.

Mrs. Viola “Ms. Vi” Johnson’s light will be missed as in her often-used phrase, “In today’s society”.

In addition to her parents Viola was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Johnnie L. Johnson, brothers; Johnnie Witherspoon (Willie) and Robert Witherspoon, sisters; Emma L. Jenkins, Sallie Mae Williams, Virginia Pharrish, Mary L. Washington and Leona Jones, a stepson, Robert James and in-laws; Willie Johnson, Thelma Jackson (Elbert), Lois McCrary (Albert).  She is also survived be the daughters; Gloria Johnson, Marcia Colvin Hughes, Pamela Johnson Graves, one son Lynn Johnson (Jane), god-son Steve Johnson, god-daughter AnnJerrica, in-laws;Vera Christian(Cari), Meldoris White, Majorie Christian(James), Lee A. Johnson(Cynthia) and Ira L. Johnson, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends who love and will miss her.

Friends will be received at the Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502 on Friday from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm and are invited to services there on Saturday at 11:00 am with Reverend Lamont Higginbottom officiating.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.