Mary Viola Stephens Longo

Mary Viola Stephens Longo, 82, of Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 after a peaceful stay at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care. Viola was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Paschall Stephens, father, Albert Stephens, Sr. and wife, June, father-in-law Philip Longo, Sr. and mother-in-law, Donatina LaStella Longo, sister, Doris Carswell and husband, JD, sister, Ruth Carlisle, brother, Albert Stephens, Jr. and wife, Adlee Stephens and brother-in-law, William Tolbert. Surviving siblings include Lois Tolbert, Robert Stephens and wife, Franda, Jackie Metcalf and husband, Ronald, and Ralph Stephens and wife, Barbara and step-brother, Ted Lane and wife, Catherine.Viola was dearly loved by her five children; Philip Longo, Donatina Nieves and husband, Abe, Robert ?Bobby? Longo and wife, Teri, Debra Painter, and Gail Fox and husband, Brent. The remaining family include; 12 grandchildren: Michael Longo, Elaine Longo, Linda Lipford, Nicole Sanders, Sara Sanders., Jessica Branch, Evan Longo, Michelle Benton, Mary Preston, Brandon Fox, Derek Fox and Kyle Fox; 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.Mary Viola was retired from Drexel Heritage and spent her remaining years sharing her unconditional love and grace with her beloved family.Funeral arrangements will be conducted by Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center, and services will be held at Oak Hill United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 5, 2011 as follows; receiving of friends and family begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11 00 a.m., and will conclude with a graveside service. At other times the family will be at the residence.In loving memory of Mary Viola, the family requests that donations be sent to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to The Robin Fleming Children?s Fund, Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 2239 NC Hwy 181, Morganton, NC 28655.