TULSA, Okla. — Viola Fletcher, affectionately known as Mother Fletcher, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the remarkable age of 111. Her life was a testament to resilience and a steadfast commitment to pursuing justice following the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Mayor Monroe Nichols expressed his condolences, recognizing Mother Fletcher’s significant role in the community and her unwavering spirit. “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,” he remarked.
Throughout her long life, Fletcher carried with her the stories of survival, courage, and grace, reminding everyone of the journey toward healing and justice. She tirelessly advocated for reparations and recognized the importance of acknowledging the suffering caused by the massacre, which devastated the once-thriving Greenwood District in Tulsa.
As the oldest known living survivor of this tragic event, her testimony before Congress underscored the urgent need for recognition and reparative measures. Fletcher’s unwavering commitment to justice served as an inspiration to many, emphasizing that the fight for acknowledgment and equity is far from over.
Mayor Nichols extended heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the Greenwood descendant community, urging Tulsans to honor her legacy. “I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled every day of her life,” he stated.
With Mother Fletcher’s passing, the last living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is now Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle, who continues to represent a crucial link to the past.
Viola Fletcher’s remarkable life and ceaseless advocacy for justice has left an indelible mark on the city of Tulsa, highlighting the importance of remembering history as we forge a path toward a more just and equitable future.