Viola Penelope Skinner Edwards of Smithfield, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017.
She was born on Feb. 16, 1926 in Hertford County, North Carolina, to Charles Palin and Mamie G. Skinner. She had lived in Isle of Wight County for 84 years. She was a member of Benns United Methodist Church.
She married the love of her life, William Joseph Edwards, on March 27, 1948. They shared 56 years of a wonderful life together before Bill passed away in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Tempie S. Moody and Beatrice S. Underwood; her brother, Roy Elton Skinner, and her nephews, Harry W. Underwood Jr. and Roy Elton “Billy” Skinner.
Viola enjoyed one of the most fulfilling careers anyone could have. She was a loving mother to her twin daughters, Robin and Ann. That career spanned over 60 years. She added the role of active Grandma over 30 years ago when her grandchildren were born and in the past eight years she became known as GG to her great-grandchildren. She participated in whatever activities her daughters or grandchildren were involved. She could out-shop her daughters. She would go to a ball game during the day and ballet performance at night.
She is survived by her twin daughters, Robin Edwards Whitley and Ann Edwards Andrews and her husband, Jerry; her grandchildren, Joseph Garland Whitley and his wife Toni, Hope Andrews Hunter and her husband Nick, Jeri-Lee Andrews Russ and her husband Justin, and William Michael Whitley and his wife Katie; her great-grandchildren, David Noah Russ, Colbie Faith Russ, Reece Kameron Whitley, John Robert “Jack” Hunter, Elizabeth Penelope “Penny” Russ, Rhett Orion Whitley, and Katherine Hope “Kate” Hunter. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Albert Skinner, and many nieces and nephews who were very special to her.
Because of her love for both her church and education, memorial donations may be made to Benns United Methodist Church, 14571 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield, Virginia 23430 or Isle of Wight Academy, P.O. Box 105, Isle of Wight, Virginia 23397.
The family received family and friends at Benns United Methodist Church Family Life Center on Tuesday, June 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. The family also welcomes friends and family to visit at the home of her daughter, Robin. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at Benns United Methodist Church, Smithfield. Burial followed at St. Luke’s Memorial Park.
Arrangements were handled by Andrews Funeral Home and Crematory of Gloucester, and Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton.