Tulsa Race Massacre’s Oldest Survivor Remembered After Peaceful Passing

Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away on Monday at the age of 111, as confirmed by her grandson Ike Howard. He shared, “She had a beautiful smile on her face. She loved life and people.” State Senator Regina Goodwin also corroborated the news, having been with Fletcher's family at a local hospital. Known as “Mother Fletcher," she participated in several interviews with CNN in recent years, alongside other survivors, seeking justice through a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa and related authorities for their involvement in the 1921 tragedy. The horrific massacre saw a White mob destroy Tulsa's thriving Greenwood neighborhood, leading to arrests and violence against thousands of Black residents. With Fletcher's passing, Lessie Benningfield Randle, also 111, becomes the sole living survivor. Randle expressed sorrow after learning of Fletcher's death, recalling their deep connection. Fletcher co-authored the memoir "Don’t Let Them Bury My Story" with her grandson, highlighting the importance of remembering the past.