Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Ford Fletcher dies at 111
Skyler Cooper
11/24/25 3:45 P.M.
TULSA, Okla. – Viola Ford Fletcher, Mother Fletcher as she was known, has died at the age of 111.
Mother Fletcher was one of two living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols shared his condolences in a social media post on Monday.
“Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher – a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history. Mother Fletcher endured more than anyone should, yet she spent her life lighting a path forward with purpose.
Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go. She never stopped advocating for justice for the survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled every day of her life.
On behalf of the city of Tulsa, I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, the Greenwood descendant community, and to every Tulsan who saw hope in her journey.” Mayor Nichols wrote.
Survivor Hughes Van Ellis died in 2023 at the age of 102.
Lessie Benningfield Randle is now the last living survivor. She turned 111 earlier this month.
