Viola Brooks Cowles

Viola Brooks Cowles, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and community leader, departed this life on April 19, 2025, following a long illness. A native of New Kent County, Viola was born on October 4, 1942, the cherished daughter of the late Mattie Martha Brooks. She was the devoted and loving wife of the late James Franklin Cowles, Sr.

She leaves four children to celebrate her life, Carla Whitfield (John), Paulette Taliaferro (Hansford), James Cowles, Jr., and Poinsetta Cowles-Oliver (Morris); five grandchildren, Nycole Taliaferro, John Whitfield, Jr., James Johnson-Cowles, Lauryn Cowles, and Jayden Cowles; devoted sister Rosetta Tabb; nephew Arnold Brooks; her beloved seniors church group; endearing comrades, Pearlie Jett, Delores Perry, Virginia Silva, Doris Randall, Audrey Jones, and Addie White; along with a host of loving relatives and friends.

Viola’s life was full of purpose and meaning. She was a dedicated and faithful church member, serving for many years as Treasurer, Church Clerk, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Trustee, Choir Member, Hospitality Coordinator, and Deaconess at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, where she first found the Lord at the age of 10. She later moved her membership to Chickahominy Baptist Church, where she served with the Hospitality, Evangelism, and Library Ministries. In addition, she participated in the Church Choir, served as Secretary of the Seniors Ministry, and as the Pastor’s Aide. It is abundantly clear that she never forgot her commitment to God, and her love for him was eternal.

Viola was passionate about her work with children. She worked for many years in the Williamsburg-James City County Public School System, as well as with the Williamsburg-James City County Head Start program, serving as the Coordinator of Parental Involvement until her retirement in 1999 to care for her ailing husband. Additionally, she and her husband worked the gates at Lafayette High School’s athletic events long after their children had graduated.

Viola believed deeply in education for herself and her children. After graduating from George W. Watkins High School, she went on to attend Thomas Nelson Community College and later graduated from Mary Washington College. She ensured that all of her children earned college degrees, with some going on to receive postgraduate degrees.

Community engagement served as a source of great pride and joy for Viola. She was deeply involved in the James City County Neighborhood Connection Organization, where she helped raise awareness about resources that improved the community. She served as Assistant Secretary of the Chickahominy Community Involvement Organization, where she faithfully supported individuals and families in need of clothing, food, and shelter. Viola also served as President of the Bush Springs Road Community Organization, working diligently to maintain the well-being of the neighborhood she so dearly loved.

Viola was also an active member of Church Women United, an organization of women who bear witness to unity and faith in Jesus Christ through worship, study, action, and celebration. In all her community work, Viola gave of herself freely, volunteering her time and energy without ever asking for anything in return.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at Chickahominy Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by her lifelong friend, Dr. Morris Randall Sr., with the eulogy delivered by her pastor, Apostle Corwin Hammond Sr. Sister Cowles will be laid to rest following the celebration at Williamsburg Memorial Park. A repast will follow to continue the fellowship and remembrance.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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