Viola Beatrice Tabb was called to eternal rest on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, in Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, with her beloved son, Terry by her side. She was born on October 29, 1933, the daughter of the late Isiah Brown and Elizabeth Brown Jenkins, of Williamsburg, Virginia.
For most of her young life, until she was a senior in high school, Viola lived with her mother in New York City. There she attended elementary, junior high and high school, and participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities. When she was 16 years old, she returned to the place of her birth and entered Bruton Heights School. In 1953, she graduated from high school. In 1955, she was united in holy matrimony with the late Calvin Russell Tabb. In 1961, they were blessed with their only child, Terry.
Viola attended Peninsula Business School, in Newport News, Virginia and began her career at James B. Blayton’s Medical Hospital. Between parenting and making a happy home, Viola attended Thomas Nelson Community College. She later was employed at Berkeley Middle School, Anheuser Busch and WMBG/WBCI.
She was a member of First Baptist Church and an active member of the Missionary Society. Viola was also a dedicated daughter, wife and mother. One friend described her as a “quintessential modern-day woman, known for her elegance, grace, generosity and love of haute couture.”
In later years, when her husband entered local politics in Williamsburg, she worked behind the scenes, encouraging and supporting him.
Viola was also preceded in death by her brother, Roy. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her beloved and devoted son, Terry and a host of other loving relatives and many caring friends.
A funeral service, celebrating the life she lived, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Williamsburg. Mrs. Tabb may be viewed only in the church on Friday, beginning at 9 a.m., until the hour of her service. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
