Mrs. Viola Smith Bourrage's Obituary
Viola Smith Bourrage was born Sunday, March 23, 1930 to Jim Smith and Argentina Spears Smith in Meridian, MS. During her Youth, she joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Meridian, MS, where she served for over 40 years. On Sunday, June 3, 2003, she later joined East Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Meridian, MS where she remained a member until her demise. She received her education from Galilee Grammar School in Meridian, MS.
She married Ray Charles Bourrage, the son of Fewitt “Dee” Bourrage and Iola “Pig” Griffin Bourrage, who was a native of DeKalb, Kemper County, MS and their union, was blessed with six children, five daughters and one son.
She was a kind and loving person who loved the Lord and her family wholeheartedly. She was a woman of humility, compassion, love, and patience. She was a mother to many and a praying woman who walked by faith. She always extended her helping hand and had a word of wisdom if needed.She would be your peace in a storm. She had a comforting and nurturing spirit. This Angel sent from Heaven above will be truly missed!
Mrs. Bourrage, age 87, exited this mortal life on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at her residence in Meridian, Lauderdale County, MS to forever dwell in that beautiful city called Heaven where no travelers have ever returned.
Her husband, Ray Charles Bourrage; two children - one son J.C. “L.C.” Bourrage; one daughter, Betty Lou Bourrage Davis; one step son, Rev. George Brown; two grandsons, Chris Aikens and Arthur Ray Bourrage; father, Jim Smith, mother, Argertha Spears Smith, eight siblings - five sisters , Fannie Smith, Elaine Smith Grady, Ruby Smith Brazill, Gustavia Smith Crowther, and Legertha Smith Baskins; three brothers, Booker T. Smith, James Smith, and Bennie Smith; father-in-law, Dewitt “Dee” Bourrage; and mother-in-law, Iola “Pig” Griffin Bourrage, preceded her in death.
Survivors are; four children - all daughters, Edna Bourrage Hudson (Earl), Alice Faye Bourrage Hersey, Mary Catherine Bourrage, and Gwendolyn Bourrage, all of Meridian,MS; six grandchildren - three granddaughters, Tyree Davis Moore of Mt. Morris, MI; Sharon Bourrage and Serrell Bourrage, both of Meridian, MS, three grandsons, Tyrone Hersey (Latrasha), Joseph Bourrage, and Jermaine Hersey, all of Meridian, MS, eight great grandchildren, A’Kevia Hersey, Demetria Walker, Tyrius Hersey, Jermario Hersey, A’Zya Bourrage, Jyzalon Alford, Joseph Bourrage Jr., and Dallas Hersey; two sisters Dorothy Smith Trussell and Mary Smith, both of Meridian, MS; god children, Jerry Moffite, Ronnie Hersey, James Rushing (Alexia), Ken Jordan, and Dessie Bourrage Johnson (Winston), all of Meridian, MS; Willie D. Bourrage (Nancy) of Chicago, IL; Emily Hearn of Austin , TX; Robert Darden (Miltoria) ofBrooklyn, NY; and Miss Corine; god grandchildren, Detrine Hudson and Joy Mofite, both of Meridian, MS; Alisa Moffite Moore (Brandon) of Porterville, MS; and Janada Davenport of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Viola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viola?
Share a story where Viola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viola you’ll never forget.
How did Viola make you smile?