Mrs. Viola Ann Wohlford Adelstein, 88, of Nelsonia, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Born on April 18, 1938, in Dante, she was the daughter of the late George Frank Wohlford Sr. and Ella Mae Johnson Wohlford. She spent her formative years in Petersburg, where she built a life rooted in love, resilience, and devotion to her family.
Viola was known for her feisty spirit, no-nonsense attitude, and generous heart. She spoke her mind without hesitation, but those who knew her best understood that everything she did was motivated by love. She was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother — affectionately known as “Nanu” — loving sister, and loyal friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A lifelong caregiver, Viola dedicated over three decades to serving her community as a registered nurse with the Accomack County Health Department before retiring. Nursing was more than a profession to her — it was a calling that reflected her compassion and commitment to helping others.
In her younger years, she attended Fort Gibson Methodist Church in Castlewood.
Outside of her career, Viola embraced life with enthusiasm and independence. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family. She dearly loved her children and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She also enjoyed painting, fishing, hunting, and proudly sponsoring her nephew, Mark Parham, throughout his motorcycle racing career. True to her adventurous nature, she even rode her own motorcycle to work, creating stories and memories that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Barton Morris (Lynn) and Roberta Adelstein Rosales (Manuel), all of Parksley; her twin sister, Len Arden Wohlford Miller, of Troutville; her grandchildren, Richard Taylor Morris (Kelli), of Charleston, S.C., Samantha Ann Oldroyd (Nicholas), of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Christopher Thomas Saunders (Courtney), of Laurel, Del., and April Len Kahyaoglu, of Parksley; her stepgrandchildren, Manuel Rosales Jr. and Maria Merritt, both of Parksley; her great-grandchildren, Mason Thomas Saunders, Jaxson Robert Saunders, Melek Ann Kahyaoglu, Cennet Len Kahyaoglu (Josh Radich), Mehmet Christopher Kahyaoglu, Tarik Hacibey Kahyaoglu, Muhammad Ricky Kahyaoglu, Rebecca Taylor Morris, Jonathan Daniel Martel, and James Samuel Martel; her stepgreat-grandchildren, Cooper Lynn and Emily Grace Oldroyd; several beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and former coworkers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Frank Wohlford Jr. and his wife, Alleen; her sisters, Margaret Ethel “Suzy” Wohlford Parham and Frances Wohlford Johnson and her husband, Sidney; her brother-in-law, Snyder Miller; and her son-in-law, Ricky Samuel Morris.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Miss Pam, Miss Joyce, and especially her granddaughter, April, for the extraordinary love, compassion, and devoted care they provided to Viola.
A funeral service was conducted from the chapel of Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2, at 1 p.m., with interment following in Parksley Cemetery. In keeping with Viola’s down-to-earth spirit, the family invited everyone to come as they are — blue jeans and a T-shirt would make her smile.
Memorial donations in Viola’s name may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, www.shorespca.com
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
