Cover photo for Vivian George Jones's Obituary
Vivian George Jones Profile Photo
1937 Vivian 2022

Vivian George Jones

October 26, 1937 — October 28, 2022

Vivian’s Life Story

 

Vivian George Thomas Jones was born in Union, Mississippi on October 26, 1937 to Nelson and Verma Thomas. She was the fifth of five children.

 

Vivian knew early in life that she wanted to work with young children.  Upon graduating from high school at the tender age of sixteen she was accepted and began attending Mississippi Valley State University, in Itta Bena, Mississippi studying early education.  She was a good student, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education.  After graduating from college Vivian entered into the lifelong profession of teaching.  A career which spanned more than 30 years, the majority of which was with the Detroit Public Schools Community District.  Her favorite grade to teach was the first grade.  She often commented that first graders were her favorites because she enjoyed molding their young minds.  Always a lifelong learner Vivian returned to school to earn a Master’s degree in education from Wayne State University.  She was also a founding member of the Detroit Chapter of the Mississippi Valley State Alumni Association.  Serving as an officer, she was passionate about helping young people achieve their educational dreams.

 

While studying at Mississippi Valley State Vivian met the love of her life, Arlington Jones.  They fell in love and in 1957 married, a marriage that lasted over 65 years.  Vivian and Arlington Jones relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1960 and soon after began a family.  God blessed their union with a son, Denny, and a daughter, Mignon.

 

As a child Vivian accepted Jesus early in her life.  She attended Thirkill Methodist Church in her home town of Union and then as an adult joined Fellowship Chapel under the leadership of Rev. James E. Wadsworth, Jr., pastor of Fellowship Chapel.  Fellowship Chapel was her church home for more than 50 years.  Vivian served faithfully as a vacation bible school volunteer, attended Dr. Walter Hall's Tuesday bible study, and was a member of Ella's Book Club.

 

Vivian was very creative and hard-working.  You could often see the fruits of her labor on display in her yard.  She was very proud of her yard, working for hours on end planting and pruning and getting everything just right.  Her hard-working and creative energies were also very evident in any event she was involved with.  Whether it was hosting the book or alumni club, organizing a family reunion, or feeding family and friends that "just dropped by", Vivian was always gracious, generous and at the top of her game.

 

She was a lifelong traveler, visiting many different countries all around the world.  Her favorites trips were to Ghana and Cuba.  She also enjoyed visiting Greece, Bora Bora, Panama, and Rome, Italy.  Family meant everything to her and to be able to travel with them meant the world to her.  She was a dedicated friend, making sure to always offer kind words of encouragement and advice whenever needed.  Always willing to help out a friend in need.

 

Vivian made her transition peacefully and among her family on October 28, 2022.  She will always be remembered for her wisdom and kind spirit.  Vivian's brothers Lamar, Nelson, and Charles, and grandson Timothy preceded her in death.  She leaves her husband, Arlington; son, Denny (Cheryl) and daughter, Mignon; her sister Dorothy; two grandsons, Darryl (Sheena) and Ellis; three great grand children, Alyla, Benjamin, and Carrina; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vivian George Jones, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

3:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)

James H. Cole Home for Funerals - NW Chapel

16100 Schaefer Hwy., Detroit, MI 48235

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Family Hour 10:00am

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Burial

Thursday, November 10, 2022

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