Viola Edwards Carroll

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Viola Edwards Carroll, the widow of James (Jimmy) Carroll transitioned from this life at home in the loving care of her son, Mark (Fonda) Carroll and his family in Richmond, VA. Viola was born on January 21, 1937 to the late Clarence and Emily Davis Edwards in Isle of Wight County. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, six brothers: Rufus, Clarence, David, William, George, and Bobby Edwards; three sisters: Jane (Bea) Young, Maggie Mae Edwards, and Gladys Johnson; one brother-in-law: Eddie Johnson; four sisters-in-law: Shirley Ann Edwards, Kathryn Casey, and Dorothy and Hermenia Carroll. Viola leaves to cherish her loving memory: a son Mark (Fonda) Carroll; two grandchildren: Davonda Howard and Devon Dickson; three great-grandchildren: Edris and Remii Davis and Norianna Dickson, all of Richmond, VA; two brothers: James and Shirley (Bea) Edwards of Smithfield, VA; four sisters: Irene (Larry) Webb of Pendleton, SC, Marion (Theron) Blount, and Sylvia and Sarah Jean Edwards, all of Smithfield, VA; four brothers-in-law: Howard Young, and Herman, Alfred, and Dewey Carroll of Roanoke, VA; and two sisters-in-law: Joyce Edwards, Windsor, VA and Eloise Edwards, Northern, VA; and a host of nephews, nieces, other family members, and friends. During her early years Viola attended Isle of Wight Training School. She moved to New York and then to Newark, NJ. She received her High School Diploma from Central High School in Newark, NJ. She worked for Pathmark Grocery chain and later as an Insurance Clerk. Viola met and married James Carroll on December 24, 1972. A few years into the marriage they relocated to James’ hometown of Roanoke, VA. Their only son was born there in August 1975. Missing the city life, they returned to NJ and eventually settled in Irvington. Viola loved the Lord and at a young age became a member of Union Bethel AME Church. While in NJ, she attended New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Upon becoming a widow on March 26, 1992, she decided it was time to move closer to home and relocated to Ashland, VA; there she attended Ashland Christian Family Life Center, under the leadership of Pastor Authur Farmer. Viola moved to Richmond, VA for a short time, and worked at Dillards Department Store. She relocated to Smithfield, VA in 2004, where she attended Union Bethel AME Church until 2006. In 2006 she started attending God’s Family Ministry serving faithfully until her health failed. She performed various tasks at the church including serving as a worship leader, recording clerk, volunteered to assist with keeping the sanctuary clean, and performed other duties. She also shared her love and time caring for the residents at New Horizon for several years. Viola will be missed by all who knew her. She had a lovely disposition and a haughty laughter. She was also meek, quiet, a strong and consistent prayer warrior, and she loved her family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Viewing will take place on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 3-6pm at the chapel. Please keep the Edwards - Carroll family in your prayers. View Memorial Video