It's March 6, 2023, 3:57pm and the sun is beginning to set. Our Vivian Williams Sylvain answered the call to her Lord and Savior. Born on April 25, 1940, she was welcomed into this world by Roy and Ida Williams. She, Vivian Caruth, and her twin, Virginia Dare, joined siblings Roslyn and Claude David, fondly known as CD. The family was later completed by the arrival of her younger brother, Michael. Vivian was born and resided in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Vivian attended Henry McNeal Turner High School and graduated in the Class of 1958. She and her siblings enjoyed friends, dances and roller skating. She loved dressing up and going to formal balls. She was a strong student and was consistently a part of the Honor Society. At school, the "Williams' girls" were known for their classy beauty. While there they decided to change their names and re-named themselves as "Vivian Onita" and "Virginia Juanita". Upon completing her high school matriculation, she became a working professional. She discovered her love for banking at her first job with Citizen's Trust Bank, the first Black owned bank in Atlanta. Her career blossomed there for 10 years. She invested in her personal growth by attending and graduating from Blayton School of Accounting. She was also named "Miss Blayton" and served as their beauty queen in 1959. 

In the midst, Vivian married and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Valencia Sherlita. This union concluded in an amicable separation. She continued to grow and excel. In 1967, she married Dr. Julius Joseph Sylvain, Jr. In 1974, they welcomed a handsome baby boy, Jason Allen. This couple conceived and operated one of the first Black owned drug stores in Atlanta, Sylvain Drugs. This union spans 52 years of memories and life events. 

Vivian Sylvain was active in the community. She was a grade mother, girl scout leader, and a member of the infamous HJJ Gospel Choir. She participated in numerous activities throughout the years, including partnering with the Dekalb Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Bank Women, and the Georgia Banker's Association. Her professional career expanded to the C&S National Bank, which became the current Bank of America. She retired as Assistant Vice President of the Greenbriar branch of Bank of America. 

On Sundays, Vivian's house was the family meeting place for dinner. The soul food spread after church was known throughout the community for the fantastic food and the feeling of "being loved" as you walked through the door. "Tee", as she affectionately called by the children, was a force to be reckoned with. She was funny, opinionated, and brilliant. Vivian was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. She loved to laugh. She adored children and puppies. 

Vivian loved the Lord. She began her spiritual journey at Hunter Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. As an adult, she grew spiritually at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church for many years and later connected with Fellowship of Faith Church International. At Jackson Memorial she made many lifetime friends that became family. She served as a choir member and member of the orientation committee. As Fellowship of Faith, she enjoyed a prosperous spiritual life. She loved weekly bible study, praise/worship and serving as an usher. 

Vivian W. Sylvain is preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Roy Williams, twin sister, Virginia (Smitty), sister Roslyn, brother, Claude David, and brother Michael (Shirley). Vivian's memory is cherished by her husband, Dr. Julius J. Sylvain, Jr., children, Valencia and Jason (Sharron), grandchildren, Summer, Christian and Zoe, goddaughter Robyn and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.        

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/vivian-sylvain/obituary/

Copy