Viola Garris Slaughter

Viola Garris Slaughter, was born to the late George and Maggie Deloatch Garris of Pendleton, North Carolina, on February 28, 1911 and departed this life Monday, February 5, 2018, at the age of 106.  She was the oldest of twelve (12) children. 

Viola was educated in the Northampton County Public School System in North Carolina.  Viola had a love for knowledge. Through most of her life, she attended various classes and trainings to equip her to make an impact wherever she served.

Viola received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age. She was a long standing member of the Zoar Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully in the service of the Lord.  She was committed and dedicated to the cause of serving not only in the Church but was known for her tireless devotion to serve in the Community.

In 1954, she founded the Homecoming Club at Zoar Missionary Baptist Church. The purpose was to bring people back to the Community and Church who had moved out of State; the families were from States that included Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and Delaware.

She received a Certificate of Appreciation for over sixty (60) years of dedicated and faithful service as an Usher at Zoar Missionary Baptist Church. She also received a Certificate for Kind Deeds.

Viola also made a profound impact regarding Community service. She was the first Black female hired as an LPN at Northampton County Health Department, Jackson, NC; She was honored for her dedicated Services to the Long Term Care Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and the Regional Ombudsman Program.

She served her community also through Volunteer efforts.  She served as a Volunteer in the Coates Elementary Public School where she received many awards for her service.  She received the CADA-Certificate for Senior Education Corps Volunteer Services in Northampton County School System; also, she received the Certificate of Appreciation for providing volunteer service to the people of North Carolina from Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. She committed her time and talents to serving others.

She was a chartered member of the Elks Temple, No. 914.

Viola was known throughout the Community as a hard worker who was very loyal and dedicated to any task. She was a faithful steward. She had a deep love to give of herself to help her fellowman.  She was always committed to helping those in need.  She also provided of her own substance. Because she was unselfish with her love and willingness to help others, she was honored by her Church and her Community.  

Viola served in the role of a homemaker and caretaker. She took care of the home and served as caretaker for her Mother and Uncle until their passing.

Viola was the primary caretaker of Cleve Barrett, from the age of six (6) months until his early adulthood. Cleve loved her deeply. He often said that Viola was the only Mother that he knew. Cleve honored Viola faithfully until his death.  

Viola is survived by her Sister, Sylvia Harden of Smyrna, Delaware; three (3) Nieces: Thelma Swain of Petersburg, Virginia, Gwen Sutton (Maurice) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Veronica Mincy (Gregory,Sr.) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Three (3) Nephews: Raymond E. Gatling (Rebecca), Easton, Pennsylvania, James Leon Harris (Barbara), Smyrna, Delaware and Gary Garris, Ledgewood, New Jersey; and a host of Great Nieces and Nephews and other family members. 

The Family deeply appreciates the love, devotion, excellent care and professionalism of the staff, shown to Viola during her stay at the Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Jackson, North Carolina. 

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