Mrs. Viola (Monk) Elizabeth Henderson Fussell, age 85 of Topsail Beach, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at her home in Topsail Beach. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 7:30 pm at Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace, NC, conducted by the Rev. Richard Phillips. The family will receive friends and family from 6:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 29 at Padgett Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Rockfish Memorial Cemetery in Wallace, NC.

Casketbearers will be Terry Fields, Jerome Henderson, Jimmy Longinotti, Dennis Patram, Randall Pigford and Herschel Teachey. Viola was born on August 17, 1930 in Duplin County. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Carrior and Katy Elizabeth (Winders) Henderson, Sr. She was preceded in death by her brother R. C. Henderson, Jr. Viola was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wallace, NC. After moving to Topsail Beach in 1994, she attended Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel. Viola's caring ways and charming character was a gift, a blessing, a bright beam of sunshine that lit up our world with amazing grace. She lived by Jesus' example, sharing love and looking after family, friends, and folks from near and far. Her sweet smile, bright blue eyes and kind words beckoned people to come into her home with a welcoming truth she lived by, "You are special, no matter whom you are." She stood tall with radiant beauty, appearance and southern charm that glowed with goodness and flowed from her generous heart. Bo, (her loving husband of 67 years) was "the best gift I ever received." Words of love she shared with loved ones gathered in their home a few days before she left for her heavenly home. She and Bo walked side by side through seasons of sunshine and sorrow. This last season of their lives was no different. The look of love still shone as they embraced their last days together in their home place at Topsail Beach. They loved deeply and lived devotedly to the Lord, one another and loved ones who colored their world with love and laughter. When asked why he fell in love with Viola, her husband replied, "She was so beautiful and loved everyone and she still is today." He called her his good looking woman who stood by his side. His words emulate the life of this lovely lady ~ one who worked hard, and enjoyed living by the sea with her family. Viola, known affectionately as: Monk, Honey, Momma, and Mema, wanted everyone to be happy and to feel welcome in their home. She believed those who entered should be fed and fueled with the joy of their compassionate spirit, making each and every one feel special and loved when they left. Her love continues through the legacy she leaves as we embrace the love she gave and lessons she taught. Her life's work is a blessing and a gift that will keep on giving for as long as we shall live. Our beloved mother and grandmother will keep on living in our hearts as she celebrates her new life in heaven and will one day welcome each of us to our eternal home. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Herman Lee Fussell, Sr., of the home; two sons, Herman Lee (Bo) Jr. and wife Beth of Topsail Beach, and Michael Carrior Fussell and wife Lisa of Teachey; one daughter, Pamela Fussell Bradshaw of Wallace; four grandsons, Braxton Fussell and wife Leah of Wilmington, Gregory Bradshaw and special friend Brittany Losaw of Wallace, John Tyler Fussell and wife Megan of Clinton, David Bradshaw and wife Kayla of Wallace; four granddaughters, Ryann Barefoot and husband Rhett of Rocky Point, Lauren Fussell of Raleigh, Mandy Rivenbark and husband, Dave of Teachey, and Trista Jones of Wallace; two great-granddaughters, Allison Bradshaw and Karlee Rivenbark and five great-grandsons, Hunter Tucker, Brady Jones, Davis Rivenbark, Jackson Jones and Stone Rivenbark, all of Wallace. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Viola H. Fussell to: Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel 1040 S. Anderson Blvd. P. O. Box 3071 Topsail Beach, NC 28445-9831 A service of Padgett Funeral and Cremation Services of Wallace, NC.