Viola Odell Johnson

June 12, 1948 - January 28, 2021

On Thursday, January 28, 2021 in the early morning, our heavenly Father made a declaration: My beloved daughter, Viola Odell Johnson is coming home! Viola Odell Johnson was born on June 12, 1948 in Sumter, South Carolina, to loving parents, Doctor and Doretha Gaymon Johnson. She was their third born and added joy to their young family. Vie, as we fondly called her, was always a curious child and full of life. She loved the adventure of southern living, playing outside and getting into mischief with her siblings. Vie was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age; becoming a lifelong member of Mt. Pleasant R.M.U.E. Church, Pinewood, S.C. Viola attended Sumter County School District #17 schools. During her school years, she was bright and eager to learn. She was known for her beautiful penmanship and high quality work. Her teachers loved her and often considered her as, “the teacher’s pet”. Vie loved to talk and had an abundance of friends. There was something within Vie (her) that was just endearing. During her teen years, she was active in the church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher. In 1966, Vie graduated from Lincoln High School. She became the first of her family to attend college. Viola matriculated to Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1970. Upon graduation, she made her home in Columbia, where she enjoyed life. Vie had many talents. She could figure out and teach herself to do just about anything. For the next 17 years, Viola pursued various paths, which were all uniquely Vie. She was an avid reader, movie buff, and a crossword puzzle genius. Vie loved her family and knew her parents and siblings were always there for her. In February 1987, Viola celebrated the happiest day of her life with the birth of her son, Dexter Rendell Johnson. Having the desire to be a loving mother, she returned to her family home in Sumter. She adored Dexter. He was her pride and joy. He would follow her every step. She made sure Dexter had all the necessities of life and learned to love The Lord. Vie trusted God to take care of Dexter. She always had a spark in her eyes when she spoke of “her son”. During the past 15 years, Viola was faced with many health challenges, but she never let them get her down. She kept on smiling and “talking trash”. Later in life, she found true love with Gerald, who would be with her during her most difficult days. Vie succumbed to a battle that required all of her strength on January 15, 2021. For the next fourteen days, she fought as hard and long as she could. On January 28th, she went home to her Heavenly Father. She loved life to the fullest. God blessed Vie with His favor and faithfulness until the very end. She is preceded in death by her parents Doctor and Doretha Johnson, paternal grandparents Charles and Estell Johnson, and maternal grandparents Rufus Dray Gaymon and Viola Gaymon Boyd. Viola leaves to cherish beautiful memories to her beloved son, Dexter R. Johnson, Los Angeles, CA; her loving companion, Fitzgerald Conyers, Sumter, SC, her siblings, Roosevelt Moore (Emma Jean)Philadelphia, PA, Barbara Bennett, Haymarket, VA; Delores Wingo, Wyncote, PA; Beverly (Dr. Robert) Williams, Smithville, NJ; Doretha “Pat” (Albert) Spells, Newport News, VA; Dr. Larry G. Johnson, Little Rock, AR; and Dr. Pamela (Willie) McFadden, Orange, CA; two aunts, Rosalie Johnson Floyd, Philadelphia, PA, and Clara Gaymon, Tallahassee, FL , and her lifelong friend, Anna Johnson Shirley, Sumter, SC. Vie’s love of life will always be remembered by her 44 nieces and nephews; along with a host of cousins, and friends. January 28, 2021 Vie, Our family chain has been broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again one day. We will always love you and miss you. Forever in our hearts. Your loving Family (Adapted from the poem The Broken Chain, Poet Unknown) To access the livestream of the service, please go to Facebook.com, search for Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc, and "like" the page. The livestream video will begin at 11:00 am on the day of the service.