Viola Ann Dodson

On Saturday, June 26, 2021, the Lord dispatched his angels to bring his daughter Viola Ann Dodson, home to be in His Glory. On September 27,1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Viola was born to the late Jerome and Minnie Newton. She was the youngest of her four brothers and two sisters.

At an early age, Viola and her family moved from Oklahoma to California. There, she was raised by her dearly departed grandmother, Iola Benson. Viola was raised in the church and accepted God into her life at a young age. After completing her education at Centennial High School,  she met the love of her life,  AC  Dodson.  On August 29,1959, Viola and AC were married  in 

Los   Angeles, CA. On that day, they blended their families, which consisted of three daughters and one son. During their marriage, they were also blessed  with an additional six children.  

      In 1980, Viola and AC moved their family to Perris, CA where they began a new chapter in their lives.  She was an educator at Harbor City Christian School and the Val Verde School District. While residing in Perris, she joined the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E. B. Siler. Due to Viola’s love for God, she worked towards being ordained to the Deaconess Board. Later, under the directorship of Pastor Greg Moore, Viola was appointed President of the Mother’s Board where she faithfully served. 

      Throughout her life, Viola made a positive impact within her community and surrounding areas. Viola  enjoyed her  time volunteering for the Riverside Sheriff’s Office. She was also very active with several community and church organizations. Viola implemented the Black Tie Event, served food to the needy, actively led fundraisers, and gave the youth lessons on the importance of putting God first in their lives. 

       Viola was  a member of the Menifee Women’s Club and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed playing her weekly card game of hand and foot with Ruth and many other friends. Viola’s children and grandchildren affectionately nicknamed her, Elmira Jones, and Evelyn Scarvers the O.G.Gs, “Original Gangster Grannies”. The “O.G.G.s” loved traveling with one another and occasionally would get into mischief.  Viola was well loved by all who knew  her and will be greatly missed.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband AC Dodson,  sons AC  Dodson Jr, Willie Mosby, and daughter Nardine (Sue) Phillips. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her Ride or Die Guy Robert (RT) Turner; sons Dennis (Elly) Dodson, Clarence (Laura) Dodson, Sr., Brian (Sheri) Dodson, Sr.; and daughters Lena McCardell, Gloria (ViJay) Paul, Gail (Marcus) Staley, and Kathy Dodson. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Linda Mosby; brothers Ronald (Inola) Newton, Leroy Newton, Ike Yett;  16 Grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of other relatives, friends, and her Greater New Hope Christian Church Family.

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