Uncrowned Community Builders

Viola Marshall Curry, the daughter of Jannie Evans-McFarland, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She was raised in Sutton, South Carolina, where she attended a one-room school. Viola graduated from Tomlinson High School in Kingston, South Carolina. She continued her education at Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina and Empire State College in Rochester, New York.

Viola moved to Rochester, met and married Louis C. Marshall. She and Louis parented five children from a previous marriage. Louis and Viola are also the parents of two daughters, Ashley and Marsha Moore.

Viola started volunteering at the Montgomery Neighborhood Center, Inc. with the senior citizens. After a year as a volunteer, Viola was hired full time as a program coordinator for the Montgomery Senior Citizen Program. She coordinated many trips for the seniors including; visits to Peg Leg Bates resort, cruises to the Caribbean Island, trips to Atlantic City, to Toronto to see plays, and to Philadelphia to visit Independence Hall. Viola has also attended numerous conferences to promote senior citizen programs. Under her leadership, Viola's senior citizen group became a member of the New York State Office for the Aging.

Viola joined Bethel CMNE Church after relocating to Rochester. She joined the Church of God on Clarissa Street following her second marriage to William Curry. She is a member of the Usher Board, president of the Mother's Board and a member of the Trustee Board. Viola is also affiliated with several community organizations. She is past president of the Booklover's Club of the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs and past president of Pennington-Moye Ladies Auxiliary, Post 925. She became the first African American president of the Monroe County Ladies Auxiliary. In 2005, her auxiliary earned first place honors at the state convention.

Viola received the Thomas W. House Exceptional staff award from the Monroe County Office of the Aging Citizen's Advisory Committee. The National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Club presented their Community Service Award to her. She also received a social service award from the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce in recognition of outstanding leadership resulting from her involvement in and dedication to improving her community. She was also recognized by the JOLLYETTES for longtime outstanding effort of committed and devoted volunteer service to the Rochester Community.

In addition to all of her other volunteer activities, Viola also finds time to volunteer at the Monroe Community Hospital and Food bank. She states, "I have been blessed again" to work with the seniors at the Southwest Senior Center located in the historic Memorial AME Zion Church.