Viola was born on April 17, 1931 in Ginger Ridge, St Catherine Jamaica W.I. Daughter of Letitia Brown-Bell and Cleveland Lawrence. She migrated to the United States in 1966. She was employed at South Shore Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida, as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), certified in Telemetry, and Psychiatry. She worked for thirty-eight years, from 1968 through 2006.
Viola is survived by her children and their families: Daughters Clairette (Milton), Joan, Son Leon (Trina), and Sister Marcia King. grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, step children, and a host of cousins.
She was preceded in death by Spouse Burney Burke, Daughters Andrea, Althea, two sisters, and two brothers.
Viola touched countless lives with her gentle spirit and generous heart. Though her absence will be deeply felt, we find peace in knowing she now rests with our Holy Father. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
A public visitation will be held on September 13, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church, located at 2801 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.
The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Mausoleum entombment will take place on the same day from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, located at 3001 N 72nd Ave, Hollywood, FL 33024.
