Obituary of Viola Harris

Viola Harris

WELLSVILLE - Viola Harris, 90, of Wellsville, passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021, at her home.

She was born July 24, 1931, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Joseph B. and Emmie (Hicks) Harris. In addition to her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Harris, two sisters: Connie Love and Bessie Sheffield; and one brother, Henry Gooch.

Viola graduated from Wellsville High School in 1949. She was previously employed for over thirty years at Columbiana County Head Start, where she was the region's first black director. While working at Head Start, Viola formed lifelong bonds with her co-workers Judy Golden, Joann Dalrymple, Gloria Pullie, and many other caring women, and she affected the lives of thousands of children from Wellsville, East Liverpool, and the rest of Columbiana County. Viola continued her service to the community in the Senior Aid Program from which she retired after ten years. She had a fierce love for family, flowers, her garden, and as some know, a good debate. Viola was a member of Mount Sinai Fire Baptized Holiness Church.

Survivors include one son, Barry Harris of Wellsville; two sisters: Blanche Weatherspoon of Buffalo, NY and Emmie Cashwell of Youngstown; and two brothers: Clarence "Chalk" Harris of Somerset, NJ and Joseph "Solly" Harris of New Brunswick, NJ. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Bruce (Amy) Harris, Brice Clark, and Chiquinta Harris; and five great-grandchildren: Autumn Harris, DeHaven Dobritz, Abigail Harris, Meshach Harris, and Braylen Alexander Clark.
 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Wellsville First Baptist Church, 1401 Center Street, with Pastor Darlene Zanders of Mount Sinai FBH Church officiating.

Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery

Roberts Funeral Home in Wellsville is entrusted with Viola's arrangements.

You may view this obituary and send condolences online at www.robertsfuneralhomewellsville.com.