Viola Gill Scott was born on March 12, 1933, in Gaffney, South Carolina, to the late Joshua Wilson Gill (“Big Daddy”) and Thedoshia Banks (“Big Mama”). The tenth of thirteen children, Viola was part of a loving family whose values shaped her life of quiet
strength, generosity, and deep faith. Viola passed quietly in her sleep on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025—no pain, no struggle, just peace.
Viola graduated from high school in Blacksburg, South Carolina. After she and her younger sisters completed their education, they made a bold decision: as young women, they journeyed on their own to Great Neck, New York, in search of new beginnings. Viola’s first job in New York was in domestic service for Mr. and Mrs. Klah, but she quickly pursued something greater. With the pride and determination she was known for, she earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went on to
build a decades-long career at North Shore University Hospital (now Northwell Health) in Manhasset. She served with professionalism and compassion for over 20 years, retiring with a legacy of grace. Upon retirement, she worked with her sister (and best friend) at the family day care
LaEunice started—Cabbage Patch Day Care. It gave them an opportunity to care for the children and grandchildren of neighbors and fellow church members, with the added
benefit of spending their days together. It was a joyful continuation of her lifelong calling: nurturing others with love, patience, and care.
Viola was a devoted and active member of St. Paul AME Zion Church in Great Neck from the moment she arrived in New York. Like the rest of the Gill family, church was at
the center of her life. Over the decades, she poured her time, energy, and love into the church community—serving on the Steward Board and offering her gifts wherever they
were needed. She was especially known for her fundraising talent, often raising the most money for events like Family & Friends Day. She was always helping, including when she would her delicious food in the social hall.
Though she preferred to work behind the scenes, Viola was a steady and powerful presence. Everyone knew exactly where she’d be seated on Sunday morning—elegantly dressed in her usual pew. Her presence brought peace. Even during the pandemic, she never missed a service, joining over Zoom each week with the same grace and devotion. She was part of the glue that held the St. Paul community
together.
Viola also had a deep love for family. She believed in the importance of bringing people together, and though reunions were often held in the Carolinas, she was always deeply involved in planning them. She didn’t like things done at the last minute and was lovingly firm in making sure everyone did their part. She was especially known for handling the family reunion T-shirts—taking pride in collecting sizes, payments, and
ensuring everyone received theirs, bundled with care and love. She was always impeccably dressed—known for her beautiful handbags, scarves, and
hats. She had an effortless sense of style and was quick to notice it and compliment it in others, especially when someone had on a sharp outfit or a fresh new hairstyle. She took joy in hearing how the young people in her life were doing in school—offering them a moment to shine as they shared their accomplishments. She never missed a graduation and kept all of the programs. She cherished every card and every gift she received, often calling to thank you again even after expressing gratitude in person. If
she wore something you gave her, she’d let you know exactly when you gave it and how much it still meant to her. Thoughtfulness and manners were everything.
Viola took great pride in her home and was a gracious host. Whether it was Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl, or just an everyday visit, her table was always set with beautiful china, stemware, and love. She was a phenomenal cook—watching her in the
kitchen, stirring pots and plating food while laughing and telling stories, was pure joy. She made sure everyone had enough to eat—and sent folks home with leftovers, too. As soon as you walked in the door, you were greeted with a huge smile and a hug that
let you know you mattered to her.
Viola’s home told the story of how much she cherished her family. It was filled with framed photos and albums, keepsakes, and gifts she’d been given—a reflection of the love and memories she carefully kept and proudly displayed.

Viola met her beloved soul mate, Tillman A. Scott, known to all as “Brother,” in the mid-1970s. A church member had invited her to help with a party catered by Brother’s sister, Sarah Brown. It was love at first sight—and they were inseparable from that moment on. They married on July 1, 1989, and their life together was filled with laughter, devotion, and joy. One of their favorite things to do was take road trips—to Pennsylvania, upstate
New York, and especially to go apple picking. Each season, they’d give apples to friends, family, and church members—a sweet symbol of the life they shared. And it was a rare thing: a full, blessed and long life together.
Viola was the last surviving sibling in the Gill family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thedoshia and Joshua Gill; her siblings—Bobbie Gill Hemphill, Wilson Gill, Hazel Gill, Alice Gill Caldwell, Marcellus Gill, Richard Gill, Johnnie Mae Gill, Bennie Gill, Ruby Gill, Juanita Gill Smith, LaEunice Gill, and Naomi Gill Parker—and by her first son, Steven Michael Drakeford.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Tillman A. “Brother” Scott of Great Neck, NY; her son L. Eric Reese of Charlotte, NC; her daughter-in-law Antionette Drakeford (widow of Steven Michael Drakeford); three granddaughters—Konecka Drakeford,
Sha’Necka “Boo” Drakeford, and Myicha Drakeford, all of Charlotte, NC; and her great-grandson, Grier Drakeford. Viola also leaves behind a large and loving extended family—nieces and nephews whom she embraced as her own across New York, Maryland, D.C., New Mexico, the Carolinas, Texas, and even Australia — and a host of
friends.

A Celebration of Life took place May 31st, 2025 at St. Paul AME Zion Church, Great Neck, NY. Graveside Services took place June 4th, 2025 at Northlake Memorial Gardens, Huntersville, NC.

Special Thank You

We would like to extend a special thank you to our family friend Alberta Oliver and to all of the day and night aides who took care of Viola in our home: Lisa Khan, Zebeda Khan,
Keisha Gordon, Charmaine Thomas, Dadiana Coimin, Sabrina Plaisir, Yolette Clarmont, Barbie Flowers, Ruth and the fill-ins. All of you are amazing in your own right and we truly thank you for the love and care you all showed us. We are forever grateful. Thank you!!
-Tillman Scott and L. Eric Reese