of Marvell, AR

March 11, 1922 - April 13, 2022

Vivian Louise Gilmer Word left this earthly life on April 13, 2022 at the age of 100 to be in the eternal presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Vivian was born March 11, 1922 in Indianola, Mississippi. She was the daughter of John W. and Marie Trouy Gilmer. She graduated from Indianola High School in 1939 and attended Sunflower Junior College and Memphis School of Business.

On August 12, 1947 at Memphis, she married George Saunders Word, Jr. of Marianna, where they made their home. Later moving to Marvell, she was the longtime secretary to the Superintendent of Marvell Public School until her retirement in 1984.

An active member of the Marvell United Methodist Church, she served as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, soloist in the choir, officer in United Methodist Women, and member of the Administrative Council.

She was active in the community, serving as charter member and secretary of the Marvell Civic Club, member of Helena Hospital Auxiliary, organizer of the Open-Door Food Pantry, member of Local Bridge Club, and named as Citizen of the Year in 2000.

In 2011, she moved to Little Rock where she enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She will be remembered most for her servant's heart, her contagious laugh, her beautiful singing voice, and her chess pies.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cheri W. Blair and husband, Tom, and Georgia W. Erwin and husband, Wally; three grandsons, Morgan Blair, Tyler Blair, and Blake Erwin; three great grandchildren, Thomas Blair, Barron Blair, and Caroline Blair.

A funeral service for Mrs. Vivian Louise Gilmer Word will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Marvell United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the church as well. Burial will follow to Marianna Memorial Park in Marianna, Arkansas. Brother Kenneth Lee will officiate.

Pallbearers are Richard Wooten, Shelton Guest, Bruce Hayes, Mike Woodyard, Julian Johnson, and Donald Ray Washburn.

Memorials may be made to Marvell United Methodist Church or to the Open-Door Food Pantry located at 352 highway 49, Marvell, Arkansas 72366.

Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com