Vivian Johnson, age 86 of Fayetteville, Ga. passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013.
She was born September 1, 1926 in Verbena, Ala. to parents, Robert and Alma Johnson, and she was the youngest of eight siblings. As a teen, she moved to Macon, Ga. and at the age of 16, began a 40 year career with Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph, starting as an operator and moving into management later in her career.
She retired from BellSouth in 1983, but continued to enjoy a close relationship with many of her co-workers who had become lifelong friends. Following her retirement, she volunteered each week assisting seniors at Branan Towers in East Atlanta. She also spent several years as the financial secretary at Martha Brown United Methodist Church, where she was a member for over 50 years, and a member of the Alice Walker Sunday School Class. She enjoyed her church family, and had a special place in her heart for her many friends at Martha Brown.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, and spending time with them brought her much happiness. Although she had no children of her own, she made sure all of her many nieces, nephews and greats were a big part of her life. She also loved animals and provided a loving home to many pets and strays over the years. Her favorite hobbies included fishing, working in her yard and keeping a beautiful landscape, traveling, and yearly trips to Las Vegas, where she was always a winner.
In addition to many nieces and nephews, she is survived by her sister, LaVerne Johnson Brewer, age 89 of Fayetteville, Ga., with whom she shared a home for the last 37 years. Their love and devotion for each other was a heart-warming inspiration to all who knew them.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of A. S. Turner and Sons on Thursday, July 25 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Martha Brown United Methodist Church, 468 Moreland Ave. S.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30316 or to PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill animal shelter, 5287 Covington Hwy., Decatur, Ga. 30035-2202.
The family will receive friends the hour prior to the service at A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Decatur, Ga. Vivian was the best aunt, sister and friend anyone could ever hope for, and will be remembered by all for her loving kindness, humor, generosity, and gentle spirit.
We love you Viv, and we’ll see you again.
In the fullness of time
a lifeís journey ends.
But love once shared
continues to live.
And beyond this day—
that love prevails.
