Viola E. Harold was born on March 17, 1938 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Jessie Mae (McKaney) Harold and Ernest Harold.  She was the second of six.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harden Houston; son, Alexander; grandchildren, Michael Harold, Jr. and America Millender; one sister, Ernestine (Harold) Williams; three brothers, Sylvester Harold, Raymond Harold and Marvin Harold.

Viola attended East St. Louis public school system.  She accepted Christ at an early age.  She was a member of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, 2908 Louisiana Blvd., East St. Louis, IL, until illness.  Throughout her years, she held various jobs as a cook, a librarian and as a housekeeper.

On April 2, 1985 , Viola E. Wilson was united in Holy Matrimony to Harden Houston.  On Monday, July 23, 2018 , Viola E. Houston answered the call to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Viola leaves to cherish her loving memory 7 daughters and 4 sons; Joyce Jefferson of East St. Louis, IL, Theodore Harold of East St. Louis, IL, Michael Harold of Swansea, IL, Carla Brown-Page of St. Louis, MO, Rosalind Harold of East St. Louis, IL, Royce Harold of CA, Gloria Edwards CA, Christine (Odie) George Jr of Florissant, MO, Calantha (Khris) Brown Madison, IL, Anita (Kem) Gaston of Madison, IL, Amaru Houston of Fairview Heights, IL, and one sister Eleanor Harold of East St. Louis; 37 grandchildren;  65 great-grandchildren;  9 great-great grandchildren;  along with a host of nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and her very special friend, Ms. Ruthie Mae.