Viola Milford McMorris of Orangeburg, South Carolina departed this life on November 1,2025 after an extended illness.
Originally from Abbeville, South Carolina, Viola McMorris was the daughter of the late Deacon George and Mrs. Gertrude Milford. She was the sixth child in a family of nine siblings, having five sisters and three brothers. After college, Viola married the late Roosevelt McMorris. They were blessed with two sons, the late Humphrey McMorris and the late Bruce McMorris, natives of Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Having been reared in a Christian home, Viola distinguished herself as a Christian at a very young age. She joined an area church where she served as secretary of the Sunday School, was a member of the Baptist Association, attended Sunday School Training Union, Conventions and Unions as a delegate, and she sang on the Young Adult Choir.
Viola was educated in the public schools of Abbeville County.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and did further graduate studies at Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston.
After graduating from college, Viola established residence in Orangeburg. She joined New Mount Zion Baptist Church and served in many capacities. She served as Church Youth Advisor and directed Vacation Bible School. She sang on the Senior and Mass choirs, taught Sunday school and served as assistant Superintendent of Sunday School. She was a member of the Missionary. In 1986 Viola was named Young Mother of the Year; an honor she always cherished.

Viola's professional career as an elementary school educator spanned for over fortyfive years. Her excellence in teaching earned the honor of a "Master teacher". An autobiography of Viola was among the five percent of America's teachers in the 1992 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She served a tenure of twelve years on the South Carolina Basic Skills Committee, a highlight of her career.
Among other civic, professional and community affiliations include: past Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a founding member and secretary of the Edisto Area Benedict College Club and she served on the Orangeburg County Disabilities Board for several years. In 1995, Viola was first runner-up in the state's NAACP fundraiser, and she attended several national conventions.
As a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church,Viola was a member of Ward III, the Women's Guild, the Senior Missionary and the Senior Adult Ministry. She also worked with Vacation Bible School.
Before and after her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her sisters throughout the country and abroad. For several years she traveled with the Land Cruisers of Orangeburg and enjoyed college and professional football games as well as spring tours.
Viola devoted her time to her home, sons and grandson. She loved reading the Bible and other books of interest. She was known to some for her making of religious games and sharing them. She also enjoyed her flowers, and taking short walks with her dog, Chelsea.

Her favorite scriptures were reading the books of Psalms and Proverbs and recommending them to others. Her daily meditation was remembering that Jesus loves her and this she knows. Viola worked quietly by example for the Lord and was discovered by accident.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband, two sons: Humphrey and Bruce McMorris, two brothers: Willie L. Milford and George Allen Milford; two sisters: Clara Shoemaker and Helen Gillespie.

Viola leaves to cherish her memory, one grandson: Alexander McMorris and four great-grandchildren. Three sisters: Ms. Sylvia Henderson, Ms. Rosa J. Craig, and Mrs. Mary A. Lane; one brother: Carnell Milford; two sister-in-law: Mrs. Mary Alice Milford and Lillian Milford. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

The service will proceed as follows: 

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 5,2025 at Glover's Funeral Home beginning at 1:00pm until 7:00pm. 

A Wake will be held on Wednesday, November 5,2025 at Glover's Funeral Home from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. 

The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 6,2025 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church 310 Green St. Orangeburg, SC 29115 beginning at 11:00am.