On Monday, September 15, 2025, Vivian Elder Edwards, loving mother of three, grandmother and devoted friend, passed away at age 87, while in hospice care. Raised on a working farm in Middle Tennessee, Vivian was a vibrant woman who carried the values of her farming roots throughout her life, staying close to the community, family, and heritage she loved.

Vivian, daughter of the late Chester Ward and Irene Parris Elder, was born in Byrdstown, Tennessee, on July 22, 1938. She graduated from Pickett County High School in 1956 and moved to Nashville, where she trained as an administrative assistant. She began her career, met William Edwards, Jr., an Army serviceman from North Carolina, and married in March of 1962. They relocated to Raleigh, NC, and later to Charleston, SC, as her husband began serving as an officer in the Armed Forces. During this service, they lived in multiple locations (SC, Okinawa, OK, and TX) while raising their family, eventually settling back in North Carolina. Though they later divorced, Vivian and Bill remained connected through their children.

Vivian embraced an independent life with grace and resilience, returning to work while raising her children and remaining a devoted homemaker. She remained a dedicated member of First Christian Church in Greensboro, NC, attending until she retired to Raleigh and enjoyed becoming part of the growth of Wake Forest Christian Church. During retirement, she embraced one of her life’s greatest joys—being a loving and devoted grandmother. Later in life, Vivian moved to an independent living facility in Charlotte, where her friendly demeanor and beautiful smile won her many friends. She was blessed to find love again with her devoted companion, Tom, with whom she shared countless happy moments—reliving treasured memories, taking daily walks, and sharing much laughter.

She is survived by her children, William (Renata) Edwards, Jane (David) Whitten, and Carole Knieriem; her grandchildren, Jack and Nathan Whitten, and William, Luke, and Kate Knieriem; and her cherished companion of two years, Tom Bridges. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Phyllis Elder Howden and brothers-in-law William Howden and Steve Williamson, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Following cremation, her remains will be laid to rest in the Lovelady Sims Cemetery in Byrdstown, next to her parents. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and invites memorial contributions in her honor to support their work. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, or give online at thefoundationcares.org/give.

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