FRANKLIN — Viola Fowler Johnson, 91, passed away on Jan. 13, 2019, in the East Pavilion.

Viola was born in Southampton County, and was a daughter of the late William Joseph and Goldie Lee Duncan Fowler. She was predeceased by her husband, Alton Lee “Bud” Johnson; a daughter, Ella Mae Johnson Ashworth; and brothers, Bill, David, Rochelle, Charles and Oscar; and sisters, Edna, Della and Barbara Ann.

Viola attended The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind as a child and would go back for reunions throughout the years.

She was a retired nurse’s aide, and a longtime member of Franklin Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are a son-in-law, Elbert Ashworth; two grandchildren, Angeliea Collier (Stuart) and Alton Keith Ashworth; three great-grandchildren, Jason Collier, Peyton Collier and Emma Grace Ashworth; one brother, Mickey Fowler; and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, in Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Gibson officiating. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, and suggests memorial donations be made to Franklin Baptist Church or The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, 104 VSDB Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.