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.
Sign Guestbook
12 Condolence(s)
Linda K. Woolbright
Monday, May 16, 2022
To Mrs. Vivian’s family~
What a beautiful legacy she leaves for all of you to treasure. Mrs. Vivian was a
very warm and gracious Southern lady. She always had a smile and a kind word whenever I saw her. Heaven definitely gained a special Angel. With much love and sympathy to Cheri & Family~
Linda K. Woolbright
Sandy Sanders
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Dear Cheri and Georgia,
My wife saw your mom's obituary tonight and called it to my attention. I was sorry to learn of Miss Vivian's death, but, given that she had lived so many vital years, I trust her passing was minimally painful for you. I hope you and your respective families are well.
Sandy
Larry “Peanuts†Shadle
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss.
Glad to see you and Wally are still married. Tell him I said hello.
Norma Galloway Chism
Friday, April 15, 2022
I remember Mrs. Vivian as a kind and sweet person, as was my classmate, Cheri. You have my condolences.
Norma Galloway Chism
Friday, April 15, 2022
I remember Mrs. Vivian as a kind and sweet person, as was my classmate, Cheri. You have my condolences.
Mickie Cox
Friday, April 15, 2022
Knowing Ms. Vivian was a honor, she was always smiling and had a hug and kind word for everyone. Peace and blessings to her family and to her many friends.
Norma Galloway Chism
Friday, April 15, 2022
I remember Mrs. Vivian as a kind and sweet person, as was my classmate, Cheri. You have my condolences.
NEENA PUMPHREY
Friday, April 15, 2022
Mrs. Vivian was a very special lady and a gift to Marvell.
Bill Hall
Friday, April 15, 2022
Georgia and Cheri, I was saddened to hear the news of Miss Vivian’s death, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I have so many fond memories of Miss Vivian, but what will stay with me always was her beautiful smile and kind words that she always had for me. I count myself as fortunate that as I was growing up she was my neighbor and while we have not lived across the street from each other for decades, I still think of the two of you as my neighbors.
With love,
Bill Hall
tom watkins
Thursday, April 14, 2022
So glad to say that I knew Mrs Vivian and enjoyed meeting and speaking with her often as we were neighbors in Marvell. She made things good for others. My prayers are with Cheri, Georgia and their families at this time.
Sherry Storey
Thursday, April 14, 2022
My prayers are with the family of Mrs. Word. I have lived on College St. in Marvell for 49 plus years. I was raised just down the street. Ronald and Hazel Storey are my parents. I cherish the memories of both your Mother and Father. Both were such a blessing to my life with their kindness. The memories of your Father are more with my childhood. I have lived in the Virginia and Mac Hall's house for 22 years. I always used to go outside when your Mother walked to visit with her. She is a lady that I will always cherish of knowing.
Tina Fisher
Thursday, April 14, 2022
It was an honor knowing Mrs. Vivian. She was a very special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family, church family and friends. 🌹ðŸ™