Mrs. Viola Patterson, a beloved matriarch, departed this life on April 10, 2025. Born on May 9, 1933, she was the eldest child of Deacon James M. Wilson and Mrs. Alice C. Wilson.

Viola is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Eldrige Patterson; her son, Dwayne Patterson; her son-in-law, Johnnie Williams; her great-grandson, Azonte Williams; her brother, George Wilson; and her sisters, Elizabeth Brown and Mary Lyons.

She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Williams; her son, Darryl Patterson (Charmeun); four grandchildren: Shaun Williams (Talene), Darrannette Patterson, Damien Patterson (Tasha), and Shardae Yancy (Rodney); twelve great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Tammi Ledbetter, two sisters, Barbara Briggs and Joyce Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Viola was a woman of dignity and grace who centered her life around God, family, and friends. As the matriarch of her family, she served as a role model and mentor to many. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of life service will be held  at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at O.H Smith & Son Funeral Home. The interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens,155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA.  There will be no public viewing.  Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.