July 7, 1912 – July 25, 2014
What do you say about a classic? Words just cannot do justice when trying to capture the essence of Vivian Truit Cantrell Talley. She was a uniquely remarkable and talented person who graced so many lives. Vivian was 102 years young when she passed away. Ms. Vivian, as we called her, still laughed, kept up with the news, visited with family and friends and tinkled the ivories on whatever piano happened to be near. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards with her friends. She was willing to help anyone, but not during her card-playing time. Vivian stated that all things were part of “A golden thread that weaves through my life.” This thread connected her to her great love of family, friends, music and religion.

Music was a major part of her life, and she shared her musical talent with people of all faiths and beliefs. Bay Vue United Methodist Church was honored to have her as a pianist. Vivian still played for them into her 90s. Her own faith was based on her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3: 5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.” Vivian loved her family that consisted of son Larry Talley, his wife Wavey, 4 grandsons, and 8 great grandchildren. Her beloved husband Melvin Carl Talley passed away in 1975. Vivian recalled that he had proposed, “By White Rock Lake under a big full moon.”

That golden thread kept Ms. Vivian going throughout her life. She never looked back with regret, but graciously embraced every moment of her life with boundless joy. The day before Vivian passed away, she asked her great, good friend Betty White to wheel her to a piano. There she flawlessly played, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Vivian Talley once enthusiastically stated, “You know, with all I have seen and do know; it makes me believe in what I have not seen, and what I do not know. Heaven is real! Real! Real!”

Yes it is, Ms. Vivian, and today it is a more glorious place because you are there. The Heavenly Choir will sing much brighter now because you are sitting at that ethereal piano. Your sweet husband will be singing because he is so happy to see that girl he once spied in church and declared, “She is the only one for me.” Will Rogers said that he “never met a man he didn’t like.” Your numerous friends here can say, “We never met a person who didn’t love Ms. Vivian.”

Dr. Wallace Shook, one of Mrs. Talley’s many admirers, wrote, “Heaven is blessed with advent of this remarkable, beautiful, gifted friend. How fortunate we have been to have known her and loved her. She was closer to being an angel of God than anyone I have ever met.” Amen to that.

Ms. Vivian, we are going to miss you. Yet, we will take pleasure in our remembrances of the moments we shared in church, in plays, in classes, and those special times we were privileged to spend in your presence. We will always remember that special closing in your letters. They sum up the characteristics that made up, dear lady, your truly outstanding life.

“Mercy, Grace, Love, Peace, Hope and Joy”
Vivian Truit Cantrell Talley