Viola Ham

VIOLA HAM On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, God quietly and sweetly whispered ''COME HOME." Being obedient to His Word, Viola Ham departed this life to be with the LORD. The youngest of seven children, Viola, daughter of Betty Brockington Ham and Willie Ham, was born in Darlington, South Carolina on April 7, 1922. Although the youngest, she was often viewed as the matriarch of the Ham family. Viola received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Provident Baptist Church under the late Reverend Gregg. Viola also received her formal education in Darlington. She met and married the late Harry Brown and from this union they were blessed with the birth of their son Nathaniel. In search of employment, the family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1942. Through the years Viola worked numerous jobs and retired from the Colony in 1987. Nathaniel was the center of Viola’s world. She loved him immensely and provided for him enormously. She often worked several jobs in order to maintain a home for Nathaniel and to ensure that he would achieve a quality education. They were very close and provided for each other throughout their lives. Nathaniel preceded his mother in death and left her in the care of her nieces and nephews. Viola found her Church Home in October of 1982 and joined New Psalmist Baptist Church. She was very active member until her illness prevented her from attending Sunday services. To maintain her relationship with the church, she watched the televised programs and listen to recorded sermons. She also had a special bond with Reverend James Green, Minister Paulette Cheeks and Minister Bryan Smith who communed with her each month. Viola often encouraged the guests in her home to participate in the activities or become members of New Psalmist. Always trusting in the Lord, Viola exemplified her faith by caring for family members when they became ill, teaching the younger members of the family about the importance of sharing, loving their neighbors and worshiping God. Often seeing the bright side of most calamities, Viola inspired others to have faith in God. She constantly encouraged her family and friends to work hard and to reach their greatest potential. As an avid sports fan and couch coach of the Orioles, Ravens and Tiger Woods, she was also a great coach at home. She stressed the importance of “Fair Play” in the home, at work and in the community. Viola enjoyed entertaining her family and friends at home. She was a fantastic cook and loved to chat with people about an array of subjects. Many lives have been touched for the better just by having known her. Throughout her senior years and during periods of illness, Viola maintained a positive attitude and a productive life. She loved to work in the garden and shared tips for growing flowers and vegetables. She also kept abreast of the political landscape and often provided her theories as to how the world could be a better place for all. One can only cherish the memories of listening to her words of wisdom. Viola leaves to cherish her memory: her brother, January Ham of Baltimore, MD; stepdaughter, Majidah Brown of New York, NY; five nieces, Hattie Edwards of Pasadena, MD, Rosalie Ham of Baltimore, MD, Ineitha Maloney (Carson) of Boston, MA, Gloria and Alfreda Alston both of Baltimore, MD; two nephews, Joseph (Alice) and Amos Ham, both of Baltimore, MD; grandnieces, Margret Boston of Columbia, SC, Mary Boston of Atlanta, GA, Carolyn Simmons Davis (Howard) of NC, Michele Zickefoose (Scott) of Fresno, CA, Sheena Ham of Baltimore, MD; grand- nephews, Larry Simmons (Pamela), John Simmons (Patricia), Steven Simmons (Bernadine), George Edwards, Sr. (Keisha), all of Baltimore, MD, Kevin Hunter of Boston, MA, Albert Coston of Baltimore, MD; and numerous great-grands, great-great-grands and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends!

Tributes

Viola Ham

April 7, 1922 - February 26, 2014