Viola Ford Fletcher, who survived 1921 Tulsa race massacre, dies aged 111

Viola Ford Fletcher, who as one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre in the state of Oklahoma had spent her later years seeking justice, has died aged 111.

- Associated Press

Her grandson, Ike Howard, said on Monday she had died surrounded by family at a Tulsa hospital. Sustained by a strong faith, she raised three children, worked as a welder in a shipyard during the second world war and spent decades as a housekeeper.

Tulsa's mayor, Monroe Nichols, said the city was mourning her loss. “Mother Fletcher endured more than anyone should, yet she spent her life lighting a path forward with purpose,” he said in a statement.