Viola Edna Souther

Viola Edna Burgin Souther, age 96, of Old Fort, North Carolina went to her eternal resting place August 23, 2017, peacefully and surrounded by family. Viola was the matriarch of her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

 “Mama Vi” as she was affectionately known to family and friends, was born October 22, 1920, in the Crooked Creek community near Old Fort. Viola, the fourth child of Ella and Mont Burgin, began her life in a small three-bedroom house. She attended Mt Hebron Bible Institute, Old Fort Elementary and graduated from Old Fort High School in 1939. Viola was very proud of her high school diploma as she was the only person in her family to receive one. She married Ted Souther November 4, 1939, and they built a wonderful life and home together until his death in 1986.

 Viola retired from Cohama Knitting Mills in 1988, at the age of 68, after 35 years of service. After her retirement, she began a new career rooting azaleas and rhododendron at Vi’s Nursery. Her flowers made their way to homes in North Carolina, South Carolina, as far as California and many states in between. Her yard was her pride and joy every spring, as the beautiful rainbow of rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses bloomed.

 Mama Vi was also known throughout her community for her delicious pies and cakes. No family occasion, holiday or event was complete without one of her seven-layer chocolate or coconut cakes. She attended Mt Hebron Wesleyan Methodist Church faithfully until her declining health prevented her attendance but always appreciated calls and visits from her church family.

 Mama Vi will be remembered for her love of flowers, bluegrass music, and baking but mostly for her love of family. She leaves behind a legacy of quilts and paintings made by her loving hands for friends and family. Her energetic, independent, full of life personality will forever be missed.

 Viola was preceded in death by her husband and love, Ted Souther, her parents, Ella Gilliam and Monteville Burgin, whom she cared for lovingly until their deaths, and an infant daughter, Joan Burgin Souther. She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Grady, Paul, Willard, Howard and Cletus Burgin; and a grandson, Travis Souther and great grand daughter, Megan Grant.

 Viola leaves behind three children, Charlotte Souther Grant, her daughter and best friend and husband Freddie of Old Fort, sons,  Roger Souther and wife Patsy, who lovingly assisted with her care, of Woodruff, SC, and Paul Souther, her “angel” who cared for her at home until her death; Five grandchildren, Chris Grant and wife Sandra, Amy Grant, Lt. Colonel Robert Souther and wife Melissa, Kelli Souther Stike and husband Jim and Carrie Souther Jackson and husband James; Eleven great grandchildren, Tyler Grant and wife Haley, Colby Grant and wife Amanda, Bronson Gordon, Hailee and Parker Souther, Clay, Carson and Camden Stike, and Tanner, Turner and Tyler Price.  She also leaves behind eight great-great grandchildren.

 The family will receive friends at Cherry Springs Baptist Church on Saturday, August 26 from 1:00pm-3:00 pm. A service in celebration of her life will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Todd Hinson officiating. Interment will be held immediately after at Cherry Springs Memorial Park. 

 Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Mt Hebron Church Building Fund 2473 Mt. Hebron Rd. Old Fort NC 28762 or Hospice of Rutherford County 374 Hudlow Rd. Forest City NC 28043.

 The family would like to recognize and thank all the staff at Hospice of Rutherford County who assisted in her care.