Obituary of Viola D. Wilform

VIOLA DELPHINE WILFORM Blessed with immense strength, determination and fortitude Viola Delphine Forney Wilform entered the world in Jamestown, New York on January 4, 1924. On January 7, 2013 three days after her 89th birthday, Viola's soul ascended triumphantly into heaven in Port Washington, NY. Viola was born the third of seven children to mother Anna Mae Wilson Forney and Henry Milton Forney. She attended public schools in Jamestown and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1945. Viola soon married Sam Wilform, a soldier whom she met on a train. Ten months later their first daughter, Sylvia "Penny" was born, Darlyne followed three years later. Vi was the anchor and the stabilizing force in her family choosing to remain in Jamestown to raise her younger siblings after the death of both her parents. Viola worked at Bigleow's Department Store and later worked for the US Post Office from which she retired after 30 years of service. Viola often spoke of her love of family, friends, God, her church and was especially proud of being from Jamestown, NY. She never wanted to leave her beloved hometown. She maintained her Jamestown connections even after her failing health forced her to relocate to New York City to be closer to her daughters. Viola loved to cook, read, talk to friends, watch retro TV especially any Andy Griffith rerun. She was a soft touch for anyone that needed a loan or extra support. She was generous beyond measure. Besides her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her four brothers, Clifford, Henry, Charles, and Donald Forney; Three sisters Anne Austin, Louise Hall and Betty Mitchell; Her husband Sam Wilform. Viola is survived by her daughters Sylvia "Penny" Clarke, Darlyne Bratton; Grandchildren, Crystal Bell, Corey (Tia) Clarke, Raven Clarke; Great-grandson, Malcolm Bell; God-son, Michael Dobbins; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, good friends and loved ones too numerous to mention but not forgotten. The family would like to give a special thanks and shout out to Viola's ever patient caregivers Dani, Debbie, Fanelle, Cally, Sherdina, and Sister Mary Grace. The funeral will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, January 16, 2013, in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Beth M. Whitehead, pastor of the North Main Street Church of God will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the North Main Street Church of God, 1213 North Main St. Jamestown, NY 14701.