Viola Anderson McKinney

Viola Anderson McKinney

August 28, 1943 – January 18, 2022

Viola Anderson McKinney, age 78, of Charlotte, N.C. was born in Winston-Salem, NC to Henry “Penny” Isom and Juanita Anderson on August 28, 1943.  She passed away on January 18, 2022 at Northlake House Assisted Living in Charlotte, NC. Viola was a 1961 graduate of St. Anne’s Catholic School in Winston-Salem, NC. Viola enjoyed a long life teaching and traveling the world.  She was an educator by profession having graduated from NC Central University Class of 1965 and Atlanta University’s Graduate School.

Ms. McKinney was a retired Special Education teacher from the St. Louis Missouri Public School System.  After moving to Charlotte NC,  she continued educating students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System.  She was a faithful member of Reeder Memorial Baptist Church where she joined under Pastor Don Steger and now Rev. Thomas Farrow Jr.  Viola was instrumental in building out and executing the New Member’s Orientation program.  She enjoyed serving as a bridge to transition new members into the church and to connect them into the various ministries.    Each new group of members renewed her love for the church.

Viola was blessed with a large and loving family.  She served as the caregiver for many in her family until her health declined.  She was also a caring friend that always like to meet new people.  To help her learn more about Charlotte, she became an active member of the social group, SISTAHS. As a member she stood alongside other African American women who as adults migrated to Charlotte, NC from all across the United States and Panama.

In addition to her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her sister, Adriane Berry and her brother, Terry Douthit.

Viola is survived by a son, Derrick McKinney of Oxford, NC; a daughter, Donna McKinney, of Winston-Salem, NC; a devoted sister, Alvonia A. Hill, a brother, Owens Douthit, both of Winston-Salem, NC; four  grandchildren Savannah, Tyler, Tristen and Tyriq; five great grandchildren Sa’Niya, Tyler, Skyler, Serenity and Summer; nephew Levi “Skeeter” Hill, Jr, nephew Dwayne Berry, cousin Shirley Carter (Thurmond),  a beloved cousin, Wallace Prysock (Jody) of New York; a devoted care-giver and guardian, Sabrena Foxx (Derrick) of Charlotte, NC and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Viola will be held at 12:00pm, on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Farrow, Jr officiating. The visitation will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm at the church. Interment will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Piedmont Memorial Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC at 12:00pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff members at the Northlake House and the Lake Norman Hospice team.