Viola King, 98, passed away on December 20, 2016 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born October 27, 1918 in Atlanta, Arkansas to George and Ola (Doss) Roach. Viola was educated in the Arkansas School System graduating from High School. She met and married the love of her life, Maurice King, and moved to Phoenix in 1943. She united with the First Institutional Baptist Church where she remained a loyal and devoted member until no longer being physically able to attend weekly activities and services. Viola was well known to the First Institutional membership as “Mama King” and unwaveringly supported its current pastor, the Rev. Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr. and his family since 1977. She was preceded in death by her husband Maurice King; her parents; and two grandsons. Viola leaves to cherish her loving memory: son George; four grandsons; 24 great grandchildren; two siblings; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her “Mama King extended families” – The Harrison, Stewart, and Dawson families; along with many friends.
