Viola Cummings

Viola Oneal was born June 10, 1929 in Clarksville, Red River County, Texas to the parents of William Oneal and Annie Keith Oneal. Viola’s mother passed away when she was six years old. She had 12 siblings.

In June 1951, Viola married James L. Polk. To this union was born one daughter, Ramona. In July 1966, Viola married Walter Cummings. They remained happily married for 43 years until his death in April 2009.

Viola was an excellent mother, mother in law and grandmother. She provided leadership, guidance and support to her daughter Ramona in all of her endeavors. Viola loved her son-in-law Uzell Collins Jr. Ramona would tease her mom and accuse her of loving Uzell more than her. But, when Uzell and Ramona gave birth to her grandchild, David, there was no longer any doubt about who was her favorite. She was an awesome “Big Mama”. She did all she could for her grandson. In addition to playing an instrumental role in his rearing, she also enjoyed taking him to the mall to ride the train and they were fierce foosball competitors. She treated David like a prince.

Viola’s hobbies included bowling, morning exercise walks, traveling and most of all shopping for a good bargain. Viola’s husband, Walter, worked at J C Penney’s Department Store and she ensured that his employee discount card was fully utilized (smile). Viola was a faithful member of Mayfield Baptist Church for 55 years and attended regularly until her health begin to fail.

In 2015, Alzheimer’s disease began impacting Viola’s ability to care for herself. She was missing for 5 days in February 2016. Praise the Lord, she was found safe in a local hospital. Afterwards, she went to live with her daughter. Viola was a strong woman. In August 2020, at 91 years old, she contracted, fought and survived the COVID-19 virus. On the evening of March 3rd, 2021, Viola transitioned from her earthly body to be with the Lord.

Viola is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Cummings; both of her parents; brothers, James Oneal, William Henry Oneal and 3 other brothers that passed away in infancy; 4 sisters, Eva Enox, Freddie Brown. Almaree Oneal Crayton and Helen Oneal Walls.

Those left to cherish her precious memories are: her loving daughter, Ramona Polk Collins, her son-in-law, Uzell Collins Jr, her cherished grandson, David Oneal Collins all of Kennedale, Texas; her baby sister whom she loved and adored, Coral Oneal Gant (Gerald), Los Angeles, CA, Hazel Oneal Dawson and Hallie Oneal Stubbs, Arizona; many nieces, nephews and friends, including three especially close nieces Gail Walton, Jeanine Swindell and Kathie Crayton all of California; Step son and daughter, Ronald Cummings and Brenda Evans; step grand daughter, Mysti Evans Hughes (David) and step grandson Brandon Hughes, Forest Hill, TX.