Obituary
Viola LeGrande was born May 15, 1936 to the late Alvaretta &
Frank King Sr. in Eufaula, AL – the 8th of 13 children. She attended
Van Buren High School where she excelled in academics and
sports. She played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. She
joined a traveling basketball team where she competed and won
several tournaments.
After graduating high school, she relocated to Cleveland, OH
where she joined Antioch Baptist Church, after giving her life to
Christ at the age of 15. In 1963, she met Jesse L. LeGrande Sr. and
they were joined in holy matrimony. From this union, two
children were born. Viola went on to be employed at
General Electric, where she worked until she retired.
Viola was a very active member in the church, where she served
for 60+ years. She served consecutive terms on the Trustee Board,
was a founding member of Usher Board #2 where she served for
30+ years, was on the board of Christian Education, and was an Executive
Committee Member of the Sr. Adult Ministry. Viola was
a Love Gift Coordinator of The Women’s’ Ministry. She also visited
the sick and shut-in. In 2014, Viola was ordained to be a Deacon,
one of the proudest moments of her life.
Outside of her many church duties, Viola was a member of
the High Steppers Bowling Team, where they won a champion-
ship. She also managed her own Estate Sales business, & was
involved with neighborhood watch. Viola enjoyed walking, sports,
traveling, western movies, and spending time with her family.
Viola LeGrande received her wings on November 21, 2019.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Karen R. Joyce,
son Jesse L. LeGrande Jr, (Jennifer), 3 grandchildren – Darryn
(D.J.), Faith, and Jesse III (Trey), brother Charles King (Rose),
sister Minnie Lou White, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,
friends, best friend Elizabeth Smith (Toots), and her Antioch
Baptist Church Family.
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