Mother Viola Massey

MASSEY, Mother Viola - Age 94, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2026, at Willowbrook Manor. Family hour 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Southeast Christian Church, 4171 Lapeer Rd., Burton, MI. with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Suffragan Bishop Pastor Kenneth Brown, officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Mother Massey will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Viola Massey, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and faithful servant of God, was called from labor to reward on April 22, 2026, in Flint, Michigan. Born on April 30, 1931, to Nick and Elizabeth (Tolbert) Relerford, Viola was a lifelong resident of Flint and a proud 1949 graduate of Northern High School. Her life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and her deep-seated faith. A longtime member of Bethlehem Temple Church and later Southeast Christian Church, "Sister Massey" gave generously of her time and spirit. She sang joyfully in the Missionary Choir, served diligently on the Usher Board, worked tirelessly in the church kitchen, and lovingly directed many Christmas programs. Her presence was a steady, uplifting force in both congregations, where she was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement. Outside of her ministry, Viola found joy in life’s simple pleasures—hunting for treasures while shopping and enthusiastically cheering on her Detroit Pistons. Her laughter, warmth, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Elizabeth Relerford; husband, Sonnie Massey; son, Van Gregory Massey; daughter, Sonya Dee Humphrey; great-grandson, Darius Howell; sisters, Doris Cotton, Mabel Smith, Roberta Buycks, Oris Smith, and Tomie Mae Crawford; and her brothers, Jack Willis Relerford, Adam Relerford, and Frank Relerford. Viola Massey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, cherished by her brother, Dennis Relerford; daughters, Yvonne (Linnel) Howell of Burton, Michigan, and Pamela Massey of Flint, Michigan; and son-in-law, Ricelor Humphrey of Flint Township, Michigan. Her memory will be carried forward with pride and affection by her grandchildren: Linnel "Anthony" Howell, Antoine T. Massey, Gregory Howell, Rosondra Humphrey, and Ricelor Humphrey III. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, her goddaughter, Regina Young, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viola Massey’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. Her legacy lives on in the hearts she touched and the many lives she uplifted.

Mother Viola Massey

April 30, 1931 - April 22, 2026