Viola M. Williams

September 4, 2025

Viola M. Williams, 87, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Allied Services Meade Street Residence in Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late James Moore and Katherine Rushton Moore Kolessa. Viola attended G.A.R. Memorial High School.

Prior to becoming a fulltime homemaker, Viola worked in various sewing factories. She devoted her life to caring for her family and home. There was always a home cooked meal and a cup of coffee ready for anyone who stopped by. Her home was the gathering place for the entire family, not only on holidays, but every day. Her door was always open, except on Bingo night. Her night out with her lady friends for Bingo was something she looked forward to weekly. Family would have to find somewhere else to “park it” on those nights, she would say. She also enjoyed gardening, baking and her trips to Maine with her husband.

Her passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of her family, but provides comfort knowing she is reunited with her husband, who she asked for daily since his passing.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Richard A. Williams, on March 19, 2024 and by her daughter, Denise Godumski, on March 19, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Moore.

Viola is survived by her children, Grace Garlan and her husband, Jim, Shavertown, Bruce Williams, Wilkes-Barre, and Terri Coleman and her husband, Eric, Hanover Township; son-in-law, Dave Godumski, Warrior Run; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Puterbaugh, Wilkes-Barre; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Allied Services Meade Street Residence for the genuine love and care she received during her time there.

A celebration of Viola’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6-8 pm and on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, followed by a service at 11 am on Thursday. The Rev. Carol E. Coleman will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Viola’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attention Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Viola’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com