Viola Smith-Reaves was born on July 13, 1934, the 4th and middle child of the late Elder Adolphus Elliot Smith and Lady Augusta Dorthelius Banks Smith in Cambridge, Ohio. Hearing the call of the Lord to leave the pastorate in Cambridge, Elder Smith moved the family to Canton before Viola's first birthday. Elder Smith accepted the pastorate of Christ Temple Apostolic Church, located on Cherry Ave. S.E. in Canton. This is where Viola's walk with Christ began. She accepted Christ at the age of 10 years, being baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in an unknown tongue as the Spirit of the Lord gave her the utterance. She loved the Lord and lived her life as one whose desire was to please Him.

She attended Canton City Schools from kindergarten through high school, graduating from McKinley High School in June of 1952. The night of her graduation she eloped with Mr. Harold Bernard Reaves, across the state line to Kentucky, where they were married by a Justice of the Peace. This feat, planned in advance, should give you a glimpse of Viola's fearless and adventurous nature. Family was very important and the two brought 4 children into the world. Michele Elise, Marla Gay, Gregory Bernard, and Gayle Dionne.

She began working outside the home at a very early age, earning money to help buy her school clothes by ironing, babysitting and cleaning for others. She worked for Aultman Hospital, and the Hoover Company, retiring from there after 31 years to care for her mother.  She believed in the importance of education and always looked for ways to improve herself and provide a better life for her children. She attended school for cosmetology, trying out her skills for cutting hair on her eldest daughter, Michele. She also went to school for Real Estate, and was licensed by the State of Ohio and employed by Cox Realty, the only Black owned and operated real estate agency in this area. She became a property investor, at one time owning 3 homes. Viola also sold Shaklee Vitamins, Aloe Vera products, Fashion 220 Make-up, Princess House Crystal,  and Primerica Life Insurance and Securities. She went to school for cake decorating and started her own baking business by selling home made from scratch cakes, the best and lightest this side of Heaven. She had a gift for interior design and would often offer assistance to many of her friends and clients. She made flower arrangements, and handmade purses and baskets. She would often make a basket and fill it with essential items for those in need. Viola was a docent for the Canton Museum of Art, acting as a guide and educator of those visiting the institute.

God gave Viola a vision of the word GOAN, God Over All Nations, which became the name of her production company. She sponsored a religious play, "Dancing in the Spirit", featuring a theater troupe from Cleveland Ohio. The event was held at the Umstadt Performance Hall at McKinley High School, and she served an assortment of her own homemade hors d'oeuvres. She enjoyed traveling, and even though she was directionally challenged, was not afraid to drive to places she'd never been. Many times she'd ride in circles until she spotted a friendly face who would help her find her way.

Viola never met a stranger and had friends all across the U.S. from New York to California. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality and helping others. Her smile and laughter would light up a room. She could tell a joke or a story and have everyone laughing until tears were rolling down their faces. She was full of energy, love, wisdom and strength. She lived life with a fierce determination. She gave of herself to her children, teaching them all about the importance of cultivating a relationship with God through prayer, praise and reading of the Word.

Viola is preceded in death by her father, Elder Adolphus Elliott Smith; her mother Augusta Dorthelius Banks Smith; her brother Arthur Douglas Smith; and her sisters JoAnne Smith and Carmella McNair. She is survived by her brothers Overseer Mark M. Smith (Betty) of Canton; and Calvin Smith, Canton; and her sister Frances Lorraine Bendter of Parma, Ohio; her daughters Michele Elise Robinson (Isaac) of Canton, and Marla Gay Harper (Larry) of Brea, Ca.; her son Gregory Bernard Reaves (Tammy) of Canton; and daughter Gayle Dionne Reaves of Canton; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and her very special and best friend since they were both 5 years of age, Mrs. Shirley Green.