Viola Dailey

Mrs. Viola “Mimi” Dailey, age 98, of Winter Haven, Florida, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Viola was born on April 23, 1928, in Bessemer, Alabama, to William Albert and Florence (Joiner) Handley. Her family moved to Polk County, Florida, in the 1930s, where she attended Auburndale schools and made Central Florida her lifelong home.

Viola was a longtime member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Auburndale, where her unwavering faith in God remained an important foundation throughout her life. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club.

Viola was the heart and glue of her family—a remarkably strong, selfless woman whose love reached across generations. She had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome, loved, and at home.

She laughed far more than she ever cried, and her laughter was contagious. It could fill a room and lift the spirits of everyone around her. She loved spending time with family and friends, fellowship, playing cards and games, watching game shows, keeping up with everyone on Facebook, and especially gathering around the table for a spirited game of Aggravation. Those games brought plenty of friendly competition, but more importantly, they brought everyone together—and that was where Viola was happiest.

Her greatest joy was her family. Through her strength, faith, humor, and unconditional love, she helped shape generations. She was the kind of woman her family could depend on—the one who held everyone together through difficult times, celebrated the good times, and reminded those around her of the importance of faith, family, laughter, and loving one another well.

Viola leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her loving and devoted family, including her sons David (Paula) Dailey and Rick (Pam) Dailey; her 10 grandchildren, Brad, Chris, Eric, Britney, Lynette, Laura, Erielle, Trentene, Sean, and Jamie; 15 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Junior Dailey; her sons, Bill Dailey and Roy Dailey; her grandson, Kale Dailey; her parents, William Albert and Florence Handley; her brothers, Oddis Handley and Melvin Handley; and her sister, Mary Fine.

Although her family will deeply miss her presence, her laughter, her strength, and the way she brought everyone together, they find peace in the faith that guided Viola throughout her 98 years and in knowing that she is now home with the Lord she faithfully loved.

Her love will continue through the generations she leaves behind, in the stories that will be told, the laughter that will be shared, the games that will still be played around the table, and the family she worked so hard to keep close.

Viola’s life was one of faith, family, fellowship, strength, laughter, and love—and that will forever be her legacy.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 406 S. Main Street, Auburndale, Florida 33823.

Gathering of Family & Friends: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.