Viola Fletcher, the oldest known living survivor of the Tulsa race massacre, passed away today, at the age of 111 years, 198 days.
Fletcher was born in Comanche, Oklahoma, on 10 May 1914, to parents Lucinda Ellis and John Wesley Ford. Her family were sharecroppers who worked tirelessly on rented land to make ends meet. Eventually, the Ford family moved to Tulsa in search of better opportunities. They settled in the Greenwood District.
At the age of seven, she witnessed the Tulsa Race Massacre on 31 May and 1 June 1921. She recalled being in bed on the night of 31 May when her mother suddenly woke the family to flee, having seen dead bodies and men being shot. The family lost everything—their home, their belongings, and their sense of security. Her family struggled to find a safe place to live and the resources needed to survive. They were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The trauma and instability also disrupted Viola’s education—she was forced to leave school after the fourth grade due to the family’s difficult circumstances.
On 17 December 1932, at the age of 18, she married Robert Fletcher, and the couple moved to California in search of better opportunities. During World War II, both Viola and Robert found work in the rapidly growing shipyard industry, contributing to the war effort. Viola worked as an assistant welder—a physically demanding and essential role. After the war, the Fletchers returned to Oklahoma to raise their three children. Viola took on work cleaning houses, displaying a tireless work ethic that kept her employed well into her 80s.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Viola Fletcher during this difficult time.
