Viola Doretha Johnson, 91, of Pittsburgh, was born on January 28, 1933, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late William and Nannie Bell Hilliard Sledge. She was the youngest of three siblings.

Viola attended school at Clairton School District from Elementary to High School. After graduation, Viola went on to further her education where she completed her cosmetology training and obtained her beautician license, and business owner of Viola’s Beauty Salon in the late 1950s - 1961.

Viola loved singing, cooking, taking care of her family and friends, loved babies and shopping.  But most of all loving God & telling others about Him. Formerly a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Clairton, PA., and a committed visitor of Shekinah Tabernacle.

Her favorite color is garnet, the color of her birthstone. That color garnet is linked to the heart which is how she loved her family, friends, and people that she would meet. All were welcomed - and treated the same-with love from the heart. She exhibited love, friendship, devotion, and commitment to all. 

Viola departed this life peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 11, 2024, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was preceded in death by her father, William Sledge, mother, Nannie Bell Hilliard Sledge, husband, Dr. James R. Johnson, brothers, Wallace Gray, and Willie Gray.  

Viola is survived by her beloved family, three sons, James (Melinda) Johnson, Kevin (Ramona) Johnson, Gerald (MaryAnn) Johnson; three daughters, Yvonne Curry, Karen Johnson, Joy (Archie) Earl;17 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.