Contributions to the tribute of Viola Elizabeth Smith

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Betty L Wiley posted a condolence

Monday, May 24, 2021

One of my earliest memories is standing in my mother's lap in the car while Viola reached in to feel my face, to see what I looked like. Many years later when I had a part-time job at the Hotel Morgan and Viola lived there, we got to be friends based on our past neighborhood and family relationships, and I volunteered to cut her hair in a style that was easy to care for, which continued through many years and moves, until she went to Heritage. She succeeded in life despite blindness but if she hadn't been blind, I have no doubt that she could have been our first female President or anything else she chose to be. Viola had many talents and one of the greatest was musical. In her youth she had the voice of an angel. It's still in my head and now she has angel wings to match.

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Barb Pyles posted a symbolic gesture

Monday, May 24, 2021

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Viola. As a student, I recall her working in the Dean's office WVU SOSW at Allen Hall back in the day and, as I was living in South Park at the time, I would often walk part-way home with Viola down High Street as she made her way to the Hotel Morgan where she resided the time. I was amazed how this woman could maneuver the ins and outs of the side walk traffic. On a less than positive note but one I will never forget is the one time I told Viola to "let me do the driving and to give her cane a rest. At this point she placed her arm on mine and all was going well until she plunked into a parking meter. I was so afraid I'd hurt her as but she took it in good stride. Suffice it to say, I never offered her the crook of my arm again but did often walk beside her as she could maneuver traffic better than I! Gosh, that was so Many MANY years ago, decades in fact, but I still remember that day and how Viola took everything she did in life with a great sense of humor. RIP Ms. Smith. You can now put that cane to a final rest AND make music in heaven.

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Shirley Robinson posted a condolence

Friday, May 21, 2021

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Viola. She was a delight. She was an encouragement to many. The obstacles that she faced and conquered was a testimony to many. I don't recall ever hearing her complain, but she had a positive attitude. She will certainly ben missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends. Think on the good things and memories will keep her close. Making mention of you in my prayers. Pastor Shirley Robinson

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Connie Cline Cox posted a condolence

Friday, May 21, 2021

Viola Smith! What a lady!!! So many memories of her. We went to the former Morgantown Business College together. She was an inspiration to everyone. She had no trouble keeping up in shorthand class typing her notes on a braille typewriter. In laws class I remember her asking me a question about our an upcoming test that I had not yet prepared for. When I didn't have an answer, she expressed her opinion in a gentle way that I should have the answer, because I could read with my eyes! I was embarrassed and she was right. Lesson learned from an immature and recent high school student. Once as I was walking down high street I found her crying. I stopped and ask her what was wrong. She said she had missed her bus. I said where do you live. She told me. Although, I knew it would a little ways to walk I told we could just walk the distance. She was totally on board and off we went. We had a jolly good time waking along as I paused when we came to a curb or street. I totally kept her informed as we walked along, arm in arm! What fun that was for both of us! Her parents were over joyed to see us and so very thankful. I never knew what happened to her after graduation, but it doesn't surprise me reading about her accomplishments! I moved to DC/MD suburbs and over the years thought about her courageous and determined personality. I will always fondly remember her!

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Nancy Holbert posted a condolence

Friday, May 21, 2021

She brought so much joy to all those who were fortunate enough to attend one of her sing-alongs. Her repertoire was ENORMOUS! I never heard her say, no, I don't know that song. She also knew every verse of every song!!! She was a gift to all who knew her. I truly love her. Nancy Holbert

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The family of Viola Elizabeth Smith uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 20, 2021

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The family of Viola Elizabeth Smith uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 20, 2021

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Augustine and Colletta Culberson posted a condolence

Thursday, May 20, 2021

I met Viola at a young age when she attended the former Business College, where my father worked. I often saw her on campus when I was a student. Then she live in an apartment next to my mother for about 10 years. We could sometimes hear he playing the piano. She was a beautiful person and a positive influence for many. Blessings to her family. Love and prayers

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Shirley Daft lit a candle

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

I worked on the same floor as Viola at WVU. We became great friends. I would pick her up at the hotel where she lived ever so often. She would know when I changed perfumes. She knew when I got a new car and asked when it was her time to drive. I said "tomorrow". My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Viola was a wonderful lady.

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Richard Harvey Posted May 20, 2021 at 12:28 PM

Viola was always asking if she could drive. When she obtained a "driver's license" for identification, she loved showing it off.

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Nancy Holbert Posted May 21, 2021 at 9:06 AM

I just can't say enough about Viola. She was one of the most positive people I ever met, even though she faced more hardships that anyone I ever met. She really cared about everyone, deeply. Once she met you, she loved you. She always focused on learning all about you and your family, rather than on herself.

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Viola Elizabeth Smith

1930 - 2021

Hastings Funeral Home

Hastings Funeral Home

Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens

153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 | Phone: (304) 292-8664 | Email: hastingsfuneralhome@gmail.com