In Memory

Viola Louise Anderson (Watkins) - Class Of 1968

Viola Louise Anderson Watkins, age 66, of Esmont, Virginia, departed this life on Friday,June 23, 2017.

She was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 13, 1950, the daughter of the late Edward F. Anderson Sr. and Charlotte Robinson Anderson.

She attended Yancey Elementary School; was a graduate of Albemarle High School and received her Associate Degree from Penn Foster College. She was a Head Start Teacher for MACCA and retired in 2015. After retirement, she returned to teaching for the Little Learners of The Tri-County pre-school program at Yancey Elementary School.

Viola accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of New Green Mountain Baptist Church where she was actively involved. She was a member of the Hospitality Committee, Usher Ministry, and Missionary Ministry. She was an avid reader; enjoyed exercising, traveling and working in her church. One of her most memorable and enjoyable experiences was touring the Grand Canyon. Viola was a take charge person who could handle and take control of any situation. She was a private and reserved person.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Brian R. Watkins of Esmont, Va. and Vincent L. Anderson and wife, Trice, of Charlottesville; one brother, Edward F. Anderson Jr. and wife, Shirley, of Suffolk, Va.; two sisters, Delores Jerry and Frances Mihlan and husband, Stephen, of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, D'Andrea Anderson, Martina Anderson, and Kareen Johnson; two aunts, Shirley Robinson and Emma Robinson; a special cousin she called "Mom", the Reverend, Mary Carey; one brother-in-law, Randy Watkins; and a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at New Green Mountain Baptist Church, Esmont, Va. with the Reverend Frankie Paige officiating and the Reverend Lloyd Feggans delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services. J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.jfbellfuneralservices.com.

Submitted by Connie Crenshaw.