Obituary of Viola Elizabeth Smith

Viola Smith, 91, of Morgantown, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Stonerise Morgantown. She previously resided at the Village of Heritage Point for a number of years. She was born in Greene County Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Foster Eamon Smith and Susanna Beatrice Fetty Easterday and stepfather Harold J. (Pete) Easterday. Born blind, Viola faced many challenges in her life, but will be fondly remembered as an independent person who overcame the obstacles placed before her with grace and a sense of humor. Viola graduated with honors from the Romney School for Deaf and Blind Children. She also graduated from the WV Career College and was later named to their Hall of Fame. As a secretary at WVU, she last served as the Dean's secretary for the Dean of the School of Social Work. Viola took additional courses in voice, piano, and violin at Fairmont State Teachers College. She was an entertainer who sang and played the piano at various venues over the years including churches, the Montmartre Restaurant and the Morgantown Senior Center. She was selected as the Monongalia County Senior Citizen of the Year. She is survived by her sister Eleanor Wyatt-Miller of Mooresville, Indiana; brother-in-law Dr. Clarence Harvey, Jr. of Morgantown; her nephew Dr. Richard Harvey and his wife Beth of Morgantown; her niece, Susanna H. Roth and her husband Dave of Weston; and her caregiver and companion, Mary Ruth Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Wilma Harvey. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Village at Heritage Point for the love and care she received there throughout the years. Laughter was often heard in her apartment, as they shared jokes, and stories. Viola thoroughly enjoyed playing the piano for the Friday Sing-alongs. We would also like to thank the staff at Stonerise, although her stay was brief, we appreciate the care and compassion shown to her. Friends and family will be received at the Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Friday, May 21st from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11 AM. Interment will follow at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donation made in Viola's memory to Romney School for the Deaf and Blind, 301 East Main Street, Romney, WV 26757. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com