Viola Ruth Hood Kimbrough, also known to her family and friends as "Ms. Vi", "Ruth", and "Mother Kimbrough", was granted her angel wings on November 17, 2021. Her final days were spent surrounded by family.

Viola was born April 5, 1941, to Albert Boyd and Louise Alford Hood in Winston-Salem, NC. She was employed with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for a short period of time and left to join the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System as an educator. She had a remarkable passion for students to learn at their highest level. She was loved by everyone, students, and teachers at every school she was employed at. She was also remembered for her huge Sunday dinners where everyone was welcome to eat and fellowship. One of her greatest victories was to be able to witness the swearing-in ceremony of her son Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr., to become the first African American to be elected Sherriff of Forsyth County.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Hood; father, Albert Boyd; sister, Lorene Shaw; and brother, Tommie Hood.

She is survived by her husband, Bobby F. Kimbrough, Sr.; her sons, Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr., Horace, and Adrien Myers; eight grandsons, Bobby F. Kimbrough, III (Suganya), Jamesen F. Kimbrough, Jordan F. Kimbrough, Christian Kimbrough, Bryce F. Kimbrough, Jalen F. Kimbrough, Isaiah Kimbrough, and Shawn Myers; one granddaughter; Kimberly Pender;  three great-grandchildren, Kavitha Kimbrough, Vikram Kimbrough, and Lavanya Kimbrough; several nieces and nephews, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous honorary daughters, as she commonly referred to them as and several friends that she cherished.

A special thanks to the staff at Brookridge Retirement Community, Trellis Supportive Care, and Ms. Alicia Coleman. There were so many more who loved, cared, and prayed for our mother during her time of illness. Words cannot express our thanks and gratefulness, so we say thanks and we love you all!

Viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

A viewing will also be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Union Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Union Baptist Church, 1200 Trade Street NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, with Bishop Sir Walter Mack, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.