Viola Janie Grier Massey, 82 of Charlotte, passed away on Monday January 20, 2020.  Our Lord gave Viola Janie Grier Massey to her earthly parents, Olin Clayton Grier, Sr. and Janie Viola Grier on November 1, 1937 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  She grew to become a vibrant, resilient, and creative being.

She received her diploma from Second Ward High School.  As a member of the remarkable class of 1955, she served as secretary and became instrumental years after their commencement to reconnecting, gathering and supporting classmates.  She had that special invisible cohesiveness that lured people together.

Viola was talented in so many areas.  She exhibited those talents within her work at Hudson Hosiery, Associated Grocery, and Eckerd's Drugs where she retired.  After retirement, she found joy working part-time, dressing children at Dillard's Department Store.

This extraordinary matriarch, known to many as Big Mama, raised her family in her church home, Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church where she was always a vehicle for change.  She strengthened and established working committees such as The Congregation Care Committee.  She and other members would visit those recovering at home.  As they filed out of the church van with their hymn books, they all knew, "O what a wonderful time it was going to be!"  She took deep pride in taking care of those who could no longer care for themselves.  She expressed so much empathy, compassion, and respect.  Those same elements were intertwined in how she helped reinvent what an Usher was, thus becoming the Chairperson of the Usher Board.  In church leadership, she was a member of the Deacon Board and worked on the Session of the church.  In addition to serving, Viola loved worship.  She used her soprano voice and her sway of the clap as she sung on the Gospel and Senior Choirs.  Aside from church and family, Viola was was an astute businesswoman.  She planned and catered numerous family reunions, private events, church gatherings, school socials, and sporting events.

Her love for her children and mankind exuded a contagious aura that spread to everyone she touched.  Her warm smile and compassionate spirit spilled over into raising her three children born within the union of the late Clarence Massey.  Left to cherish her beautiful legacy are three children, Cathy Ervin, Karen Sinclair, and Deron Massey (Amia); five grandchildren, Shelby Howard, Marquelle Boykins, Sydney Know, Kendall Massey and Camryn Massey; six great-grandchildren, Simaya Howard, Maurice Hunter, Jaya Howard, Legehn Hunter, Camari Boykins, Bryce Boykins.  Additionally, she leaves behind her sister, Rosetta Grier Mason; twin brother, Olin Clayton Grier, Jr. (Gaynelle); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.