“A chapter completed, A page turned, A life well-lived, a rest well earned”

Vivian Octavia Rowland was born July 27, 1933 in Baltimore, Md.  Her parents were Fenterson Rowland and Ola Jefferies Rowland Smith.  She was preceded in death by her brother Elbert Jerome Rowland.  She passed on April 25, 2012.

Vivian grew up in the Mondawmin area of Baltimore City where she attended public schools graduating from Douglas High School.  Like her father who attended A&T College in North Carolina, Vivian was encouraged to continue her education.  Upon graduation, Vivian matriculated at Morgan State College, now Morgan State University, where she graduated with a major in history and political science in 1955.  Her education was furthered at Indiana State University where she completed a Masters’ Degree in Education.  Upon her return to Baltimore, she pursued a career in education and taught in the Anne Arundel Co, Baltimore City and Baltimore County education system.

For years Vivian made her home in Baltimore County, in the Randallstown area.  In 1996 after retiring from the Baltimore County school system Vivian relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoyed reading, history, politics and travel.  Her love for travel lead her around the world.  Relatives of Vivian always looked forward to her annual holiday letter where she shared her many stories of destinations that she traveled during the year.  There were several travel groups with whom Vivian traveled with from both Maryland and Georgia.  Always one for adventure, Vivian traveled by air, rail and ship.  Among the countries, she visited were Canada, Italy, England, France, Spain, China, Brazil, Australia and Ghana.  She really enjoyed her trips, the many sights, and the entire cultural experience.  As the result of her travels, she became intrigued with learning about new cuisine.  She enjoyed fine dining, so whenever friends and family visited, Vivian always took them to the latest restaurants.  Vivian was particularly interested in helping young people improve themselves and assisted in many getting a college education. 

In Baltimore, Vivian had been a member of St. James Episcopal Church located in the historic Lafayette Square, known for the four churches-one on each corner.  In addition, she worshipped at St Mark's Episcopal Church in Pikesville, Md. She enjoyed visiting several churches of many denominations in Georgia on a regular basis.  Vivian was always concerned about the betterment of all and befriended many.   

Vivian had many cousins and over 200 family members came to the last family reunion in Baltimore.  One of her more cherished moments was the Thompson-Rowland family reunion held in the Pocono’s Mountains of Pennsylvania in 2009.  The reunion brought together many cousins from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Michigan, Virginia and North Carolina.  At this reunion, Vivian along with her cousin Pearl retraced the family history.

Vivian was active in Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Alpha Mu Chapter, Annapolis, Md.   She was very active in activities at the J.C. Bowden Senior Center in East Point, Ga. And belonged to the Sunshine Club, AARP and Time Travel Club.  She was also active on several committees at Camelot Club Condominiums in College Park, Georgia where she resided.

Vivian leaves to cherish her memory many cousins including: Roslyn Chester of Baltimore, Sheila Mason of Yonkers N.Y., Pearl Kirby of Randallstown, Md and Anne Waites of Ellicott City, Md. Carol Wilson, Carmen Sanders and Fannie Sanders of Winston-Salem N.C.  Childhood and longtime friends include: Lorraine Booth & family, Audrey Stanley & family, Ben & Ruth McLarin, Esther Armstrong & family, Jerome & Amy Winston & family, Juanita Pogue Chase, Celestine Ampofo & daughters & God-daughters Natasha Ampofo & Cassi Chase Gwyn (Robert).  Her extended family includes several nieces, cousins and “adopted relatives”.