Violet “Viola” Yarbrough, affectionately known as Dunmo, was surrounded by family when she exchanged her cross for a crown and peacefully went on to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Viola was a beloved and adored daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was a true caregiver, always doing for others and putting others’ needs before her own. Her steadfast love and unwavering devotion were the foundation upon which she built her family.
Born on January 18, 1936, in Choppee, Georgetown, South Carolina, Viola lived briefly in the South Bronx, New York, New York, and came to New Haven, Connecticut in 1972. It is in Connecticut where she became a member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church and was employed by Yale University, for over fifteen years, as a custodial worker prior to retiring. Viola remained in New Haven, Connecticut until her passing. Viola was predeceased by her husband, Milus Yarbrough Sr., three of her children, Henrietta Lawrence, Milus Yarbrough, Jr., and Jenise Lawrence, her mother, Hattie Canteen Whittington, her sisters, Eleanora Whittington and Virginia Whittington, and her brother, Abraham Hayward.
Viola’s life and legacy will continue to be cherished by her children, Robert Mazone, Sr. of Georgetown, South Carolina, Terry Yarbrough of New Haven, Connecticut, Sheila Lawrence of Laurel, Maryland, Shirley Lawrence, Darlene Lawrence, Valerie Yarbrough, Anna Yarbrough, and Kenya Yarbrough, all of New Haven, Connecticut, her sister, Sarah Winn of Hemingway, South Carolina, her special niece, Pamela Nero, of Columbia, South Carolina, and her very close cousin, Christopher Wiley, of New Haven, Connecticut. Viola’s vast legacy also includes her thirty-three grandchildren and her fifty-five great-grandchildren, whose adoration for Viola will be carried on through her ever-growing lineage.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to several of the caregivers at the Advanced Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation who offered their time and devotion to Viola.
A celebration of her life will take place Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Thursday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Yarbrough family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com