Mrs. Viola McCloud

On April 17, 1937, the Lord blessed Rev. Almond and Ellen Sikes with their 13th and last child, Viola Sikes, born in Moore Haven, Florida. She received her education from the Saint Lucie County School System. Viola suffered from asthma from childhood to adulthood, but she never allowed it to stop her from being an active and loving child. Her education allowed her to become a certified CNA, and a certified Childcare Provider, a student of God's word from the Church of God Institution. She joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. English, followed by Rev. Radcliff, Rev. Russell Holloway, and Rev Richardson, who is presently the pastor. Viola was active in various ministries in the church, and she held different church positions such as church announcer; Vice-President of Choir #1, editor of the church newsletter, president of the Home Mission, president of the Indian River Choir Union, and a member of the J C Mission of Hope Prayer Ministry in Fort Pierce, FL. She loved her church and continued to attend until her health began to decline. On June 13, 1956, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Elijah McCloud and lived in Vero Beach, FL. They were blessed with 6 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Viola enjoyed spending time raising her children and grandchildren. After the passing of her sister, Essie Mae Washington in 1972, Viola and her sister, Bessie Mae Peterson raised Essie Mae's children, Katherine Hudson, Clarence Hudson, Raymond Hudson, Matthew Washington, and Katina Washington. May the work you have done speak for you. On November 15, 2023, God said to Viola McCloud, “You have earned your crown, come on up, my child.” Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Elijah McCloud of 54 years; her three sons-in-law, Ronald Hurst, Stacy Smith, and Bishop Eddie Grimsley; one son, Alan Tyrone McCloud; her parents, Rev. Almond and Ellen Sikes; and her 10 brothers and 2 sisters. She leaves to cherish her memories 5 children, Tony McCloud of Vero Beach, FL, Diane McCloud-Hurst of Vero Beach, FL, Shirley (Roy) Hayes of Miami, FL, Brenda Grimsley of Fort Myers, FL, and Anita Smith of Vero Beach, FL; one Daughter-in-law, LeChandra (Keia) McCloud of Jacksonville, FL; Grandchildren, Crystal Grimsley of Chicago, IL, Clifton (Danielle) Williams of Vero Beach, FL, Daniel (Adrienne) Grimsley of Baltimore, MD, Andresa Echols-Grimsley of Atlanta, GA, Veronica Hurst of Vero Beach, FL, Angelica Hayes of Miami, FL, Britany McDuff, Whitney Wilson both of Vero Beach, FL, Maurice (Brittney) Glass of Charlotte, NC, Robert and Raven Holloway of Jacksonville, FL; 11 Great grandchildren, Godchildren, Kamila (Anthony) Knighton, Jada and Jaylan Norris; two special nieces: Dolly Ponda and Beatrice Pitts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

Mrs. Viola McCloud

April 17, 1937 - November 15, 2023