By Southwester Staff
On the morning of Dec. 19, 2020, Washington, DC, our Southwest neighborhood lost a friend, neighbor, volunteer, and a true servant to our city. For more than 20 years, Viola Ethel Moore lived in Southwest at the Carrollsburg Condominiums, and later at Tiber Island Cooperative Homes. She worked part-time and volunteered for nearly a decade as a front desk attendant at the Carrollsburg Condos. She loved the neighborhood and city and spent much of her time exploring both and sharing them with others.
Ms. Moore was born on Aug. 17,1941, in Brandywine, Md. She was the seventh of eleven children born to Sydney and Dorniece Moore. She was baptized at Asbury United Methodist Church in Brandywine, and attended this same church with her family while growing up. A strong faith and love for people were at the foundation of her unselfish spirit and servant heart. She was fiercely independent and determined to succeed at whatever she pursued.
In 1959, she graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Upper Marlboro, Md., where she was a majorette in the marching band. Upon graduation, she spent a year in Sacramento, Calif., attending Sacramento City College. She returned to Brandywine and quickly moved to Washington, DC, where she attended the Atlantic Business School.
Upon graduation in 1962, Viola began working for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon as a secretary/stenographer. Growing up on a farm in a large family, she developed an impeccable work ethic. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards for her outstanding performance, dedication, and exemplary service. In 2001, after 38 years of federal service, Viola retired from the Office of the Deputy Administrator at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a program analyst.
Viola spent most of her adult life living in DC – the city she loved. She was an example of a young professional embracing city life and the exciting mix of experiences it brought. Her life was filled with many purposeful endeavors in the community. She was an active member serving the Christ United Methodist Church in Southwest. She was involved with the Kiwanis International Club, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Smithsonian Institution.
During the past six years, one of her biggest joys was volunteering as an Information Desk receptionist at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. She was proud of the museum and was always willing and excited to escort family, friends, and acquaintances through the museum. She wanted everyone to learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience and culture.
In 2011, Viola traveled to South Africa – a highlight in her life. She traveled with a group and spent several weeks experiencing the rich culture of the continent. After returning, she continued to share about the people she met there and how much she enjoyed the experience.
Viola walked almost daily for exercise and pleasure. She enjoyed engaging her community and talking with her neighbors about current events. She also enjoyed reading, bowling, sewing, and talking and spending time with family and friends.
Viola departed the morning of Dec. 19, at Georgetown University Hospital. Many hearts are deeply saddened by Viola’s passing, and God has provided a treasure of precious memories for us to reflect on and cherish until we meet her again.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. —Matthew 5:8