ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Vivian Kelley.  Please in lieu of gifts and flowers donate to a charity near and dear to our Mom.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/4848365

Vivian Kelley, R.N (retired)
Born in Augusta, Georgia on December 29, 1946 to Mary C. Wood (Williams) and Robert W. Edwards, Jr. transitioned this life on August 8, 2023 after a long battle with Leukemia. Mother of three: Yvette D. (Kelley) Fowler, Rochelle L. Kelley and Warren A. Kelley; Grandmother of four: Corey A. Kelley, Terren X. Kelley, Jordan M. Wells and Cheyenne J Kelley; Great Grandmother of six: Chaniya Kelley, Corey A. Kelley, Jr. , Cornell Kelley, Ermias Wells, Sakari Wells and Aizen Wells; Sister to: Gwendolyn  Johnson, Paulette Johnson, Mark Johnson, Veronica Williams and Lynette Mapp. Survived by a son-in-law Christopher M. Fowler and many nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-friends and friends - including a very dear friend and family member who stood vigilant in her last days, “Auntie Rita” Galaviz.  
Vivian was a registered nurse who graduated from Boston College, School of Nursing in 1973. She spent 40 years in the field and specialized in maternal/child, labor and delivery, postpartum and high-risk antepartum care. She was a former Girl Scout leader and a longtime member of the Black Nurses Association until her retirement in 2013. She was an avid traveler, loved music, reading and collected African-American art. Her favorite pastime and love were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has left a legacy of service and love.  She was our rock and will be forever missed. 
August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023
Eulogy for my Mom

Hi Mom,

Here I am up at 2am crying missing and thinking of you. You were me and my sisters rock. We will truly miss talking to you. The way you guided us through this life giving us the best advice a mother could ever give her children. That unconditional love and support will truly be missed. That special bond that you had with your grandchildren and great grandchildren was phenomenal. You were always there for my kids. Whether it was to pick them up from school when I was a single Dad and taking them to work with you until I got off to coming to their basketball ball games or cheerleading competitions. You were always there. You were the greatest Mom on this earth. You taught me and my sisters how to be successful in life. We owe our work ethics all to you. We watch you through out our childhood struggle as a single Mom and be the best you could be earning your degree at Boston College to become a Registered Nurse. You were there when I graduated from bootcamp to become a United States Marine. You also came down a week before graduation with my Uncle Joe for family day traveling 3 hours just to see me both times. I couldn’t ask for a better Mom. I remember when I was in the Marine Corps and seeing all my friends were going oversees and wondering why I wasn’t getting chosen to go. I found out that you had written your Congressman letting him know that I was your only son and that was why. I had to volunteer and got to go anyways. But that is what you call a mother’s unconditional love. I know this will not be the last time I am up at 2am crying and thinking of you Mother. But you rest easy. We love you forever.

Love your son,

Warren Anthony Kelley (Marno)
August 26, 2023
August 26, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family! I have known Vivian online , since the Eons days...she was always a very kind and beautiful person. May she rest in peaceful paradise.
August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family. A kind and generous soul has gone to rest. Prayers go out to you all.
August 22, 2023
August 22, 2023
Dear Vivian, I remember the first moment I met you when you walked into my hospital room in the fall 1979--and from that moment on, I knew I would be safe with you. I knew you would speak the truth and tell me what I needed to know as a patient fighting for her life. We became friends in an 8x8 room in the ICU. I learned so much from you. I learned about your children, about your approach to life, and I witnessed, day to day, your steadiness in the face of uncertainty. I'm so thankful we reconnected years later--decades, really--and the moment I found you, I knew I had never lost you. You are with me now--and always have been and always will be. I know I was blessed that day you were "assigned" to me and now I feel assigned to you. Thank you for what you gave to the world, and keep giving to us, in spirit. I miss you. Sending love to your beautiful family. Love, Jessica
August 21, 2023
August 21, 2023
"Vivi" and I never met in person but she was one of my first online friends and remained one of my favorites. We interacted in several groups over the past 17 years. She was part of a special Sisterhood since the Eons days and we were always supportive of each other. Vivi was a vibrant, classy lady whose smile always lifted my spirits. She was a positive force who will be greatly missed! My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in Paradise Vivi. 
August 19, 2023
August 19, 2023
Cousin Vivian we will miss your beautiful smile and kind heart. The love you had for others will never be forgotten. Rest easy in the arms of the angels. My dad and your cousin Willie (Pete) sends his love and prayers to the family. ♥️
August 19, 2023
August 19, 2023
I met Vivian through my parents, and I remember her telling a story and had me cracking up. Although we had a brief encounter, I felt like she was a honorary auntie. I know she will be missed by so many family and friends.
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
You will be dearly missed Aunt/Cousin Vivan. For years…. I always called my cousin Vivan, Aunt Vivan. One day years….. later she finally told me she was Big Cuz. I remember all the times she would come to Vegas and my mother Charlene would say my cousin from Boston is coming. I would be so happy, because I loved to hear her accent when she talked. I am going to miss you Aunt/Cousin Vivan. Take your rest Big Cuz, a job well done while you were here on earth.
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
I became a FB friend of Vivian’s through our mutual friend Teira Doom. I’m sending my deepest condolences and prayers to her family and friends. RIP
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
Where do I start? I met Vivian while we were working at Granda Hills Hospital…We hit it off from the very beginning…it’s been a 40 plus year relationship..She was like a sister and pushed me to be the very best nurse. We did a lot together and she is truly going to be missed! Her last words to me was “ I love you girl “ and my response was I love you more! My condolences to the family for the loss of your mom.. she was simply the best and will always be in my heart..
August 18, 2023
Dear Rochelle and Family,

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. My family and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

With Love,
Juanita
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
Ma Vivian,

You were such a beautiful person inside and out. Always showing love with that awesome smile. To my sisters Yvette and Rochelle, and brother Warren I pray God's comfort and blessings on you all during this difficult time. Love Always
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
Vivian, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You will always be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest in His arms.
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
Dear Vivian,
I am truly going to miss you and your music posts.
We were friends since the Eons days. Rest in Paradise.

August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
Dear Vivian,
You were a beautiful soul inside and out. Thank you for always being kind to me, and giving me words of encouragement to keep going and being a good mother. You will truly be missed
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
Hey Grammy I can't believe your gone but I'm glad your finally in peace I love you so so much you gave me many memories I'm so blessed to have shared your very last memories please say hi to my mother love you Grammy
Love Terren
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
I'll always remember sharing smiles with you, Vivian. The precious gift you provided me with Rochelle. May you rest in eternal and perfect peace with our Father God. 
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
Vivian you are forever loved, forever missed, and forever thought of!!
I have been grateful and honored to have had you in my life for the past few years, your smile and wry sense of humor are and will continue to be an inspiration to me. I adore and love you, God blessed us with you.
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
This is a very nice collection of pictures which reflects her life of Family, Traveling, Friends, Sightseeing and enjoying life to the fullest! She was always positive and upbeat. You can tell by the collection of pictures she knew how to engage people and make friends. I truly miss her, but shall never forget her. ✝️❤️

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Recent Tributes
August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023
Eulogy for my Mom

Hi Mom,

Here I am up at 2am crying missing and thinking of you. You were me and my sisters rock. We will truly miss talking to you. The way you guided us through this life giving us the best advice a mother could ever give her children. That unconditional love and support will truly be missed. That special bond that you had with your grandchildren and great grandchildren was phenomenal. You were always there for my kids. Whether it was to pick them up from school when I was a single Dad and taking them to work with you until I got off to coming to their basketball ball games or cheerleading competitions. You were always there. You were the greatest Mom on this earth. You taught me and my sisters how to be successful in life. We owe our work ethics all to you. We watch you through out our childhood struggle as a single Mom and be the best you could be earning your degree at Boston College to become a Registered Nurse. You were there when I graduated from bootcamp to become a United States Marine. You also came down a week before graduation with my Uncle Joe for family day traveling 3 hours just to see me both times. I couldn’t ask for a better Mom. I remember when I was in the Marine Corps and seeing all my friends were going oversees and wondering why I wasn’t getting chosen to go. I found out that you had written your Congressman letting him know that I was your only son and that was why. I had to volunteer and got to go anyways. But that is what you call a mother’s unconditional love. I know this will not be the last time I am up at 2am crying and thinking of you Mother. But you rest easy. We love you forever.

Love your son,

Warren Anthony Kelley (Marno)
August 26, 2023
August 26, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family! I have known Vivian online , since the Eons days...she was always a very kind and beautiful person. May she rest in peaceful paradise.
Her Life

Vivian’s Best Friend…

August 17, 2023
Auntie Rita stood with her friend/sister for over two months while she navigated this illness and prepared for her transition. There isn’t enough words or love that I or my siblings can extend to Rita and her family. We love you and are forever grateful. - The Kelley Family

“I miss you already. I can't believe you are gone. It is hard to know that I will never hear your voice again. It is hard to believe there will be no more long conversations. I already have so many things to tell you. I truly miss you, my friend.“ - Rita Galaviz

My beautiful friend & protector…

August 17, 2023
“My beautiful friend and protector, an exceptional woman and human being--Vivian Kelley, RN--has left this planet. Too soon--at age 76. I met Vivian by happenstance more than 40 years ago. For three months, five days a week, eight-hour shifts/day, Vivian stood with me in the hospital ICU. We shared our lives and became friends for life. I am too sad for words to describe how deeply she matters to me and how outstanding she was in mind, spirit, and heart. She is gone too soon and with me always. I will honor her for the rest of my life, and you will meet her in a book I am writing about my illness. I have been so lucky to know her. Thank you, Vivian, for helping to save me. Sending love to you and your beautiful family.” - Jessica Keener
Recent stories
August 18, 2023
Rest in peace my beautiful sister you've errand your crown. We miss you in our daily chat group.

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