Viola Ellena Smith Williams, age 100, of Arkadelphia, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in her home. Viola was born on January 16, 1921 to Jessie and Letha Nelson Smith in Solo, Missouri. She was the oldest of seven children. After Viola's father left them at a young age, her mother brought the family back to Arkansas where they lived in the Piney community with her grandparents, John and Hattie Nelson. Viola went on to meet her future husband, Lewis Williams, at a Piney community pie supper. Lewis bought her chocolate cream pie which obligated Viola to eat with him. Lewis and Viola married on November 20, 1937. They became proud parents of three sons, Larry, Onis and Ralph. The family moved to Walnut Street in Arkadelphia in 1951. Viola was a homemaker, worked in the election office, Oberman Factory, Henderson State University Student Union and Clark County Hospital. She was active in the Nazarene Church where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, and served on numerous committees. Viola was always eager to share her faith in Jesus Christ and actively prayed for her family, her country and those less fortunate and in need.

Viola was lovingly known as "Granny" to her grandchildren. She spent many hours playing in the floor, reading books, playing beauty shop and letting the grandkids make mud pies on her back porch. She didn't even fuss when all of the red berries were missing from her shrubs after an afternoon of pie decorating. While the kids were outside playing, she was usually in the kitchen stirring up her famous lemon ice box pie or a hot skillet of cornbread. There was always something good on the table at Granny's house. Viola also loved gardening, canning, quilting and embroidery. In her later years she enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows and visiting with family and friends. She never lost her desire to "go"! She loved nothing more than to get in the car with Suzanne and go wherever the road led them. If she had her choice, she made sure their journey led them through Hot Springs to her favorite Chinese restaurant for a big bowl of mushrooms. She lived each day to its fullest and gave God the glory for the many blessings in her life.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, Larry and Onis Williams, a granddaughter, Gabrielle McGarry, three brothers, Irvin, Warren and Viryl Smith, and a sister, Vesta Allen. She is survived by one son, Ralph (Judy) Williams, a grandson, Jeff (Karen) Williams, granddaughters Gretta Sargent, Suzanne Graves, Pam (David) Coston, Karen Cooper, Anita Williams, and a special "adopted" granddaughter, Tammie Burchett. Viola is also survived by a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, a brand new great-great-great grandson, a brother, Wallace (Lanelle) Smith, a sister, Delma Gold, and several nieces and nephews. The family would also like to thank Pastor Mel and Lorain Vail for the faithful visits and chocolate milkshakes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Welch Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 Thursday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.