Viola Penelope Skinner Edwards of Smithfield went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017. She was born on Feb. 16, 1926, in Hertford County N.C. to Charles Palin and Mamie G. Skinner. She has lived in Isle of Wight County for 84 years. She was a member of Benn’s United Methodist Church. She married the love of her life, William Joseph Edwards, on March 27, 1948. They shared 56 years of a wonderful life together before Bill passed away in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Tempie S. Moody and Beatrice S. Underwood; her brother, Roy Elton Skinner; and her nephews, Harry W. Underwood Jr. and Roy Elton “Billy” Skinner.

Viola enjoyed one of most fulfilling careers anyone could have. She was a loving mother to her twin daughters, Robin and Ann. That career spanned more than 60 years. She added the role of active grandma more than 30 years ago when her grandchildren were born and in the past eight years she became known as “GG” to her great grandchildren. She participated in whatever activities her daughters or grandchildren were involved. She could out shop her daughters. She would go to a ball game during the day and ballet performance at night.

She is survived by her twin daughters, Robin Edwards Whitley and Ann Edwards Andrews and her husband, Jerry; her grandchildren Joseph Garland Whitley and his wife Toni, Hope Andrews Hunter and her husband, Nick, Jeri-Lee Andrews Russ and her husband, Justin, and William Michael Whitley and his wife, Katie; her great grandchildren David Noah Russ, Colbie Faith Russ, Reece Kameron Whitley, John Robert “Jack” Hunter, Elizabeth Penelope “Penny” Russ, Rhett Orion Whitley and Katherine Hope “Kate” Hunter. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Albert Skinner; and many nieces and nephews who were very special to her.

Because of her love for both her church and education, memorial donations may be made to Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benn’s Church Blvd., Smithfield Virginia or Isle of Wight Academy, P.O. Box 105, Isle of Wight Virginia 23397.

The family will receive family and friends at Benn’s United Methodist Church Family Life Center on Tuesday, June 20, 7-8:30 p.m. The family also welcomes friends and family to visit at the home of her daughter, Robin. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at Benn’s United Methodist Church, Smithfield. Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Park. 
Arrangements are being handled by Andrews Funeral Home and Crematory of Gloucester and Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton.