"Vivian's Christian service to First Baptist Cumming is remembered and lives on through the lives she touched. May her family be comforted by her hope in and ministry through Jesus her Lord. Keith Martin, First Baptist Cumming, Deacons"
In loving memory of
Vivian Leigh Pirkle
March 13, 1941 - May 27, 2021
Vivian Leigh Pirkle, affectionately known by friends and family as "Vivie", departed from this earthly life and entered through the gates of Heaven on Thursday, May 27th, 2021. She was 80 years young when she passed.
Vivie was born on March 13, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents; John H Pirkle and Dorothy Robbs Pirkle, and her brother, John T "Johnny" Pirkle. Vivie is survived by her three sisters; Elaine Pirkle, Nancy (Don) Murphey, and Sue Pirkle Howell.
She is also survived by her two sons; Richard Todd Edmond (Tina) and John Jacob "Jake" Edmond (Shana), as well as ex daughter-in-law and special family member, Christina Edmond. She has six grandchildren; Caleb, Megan, Sam, Charlotte, Britiny, and Jason; as well as a number of nieces and nephews who love her dearly.
Vivian attended school in Atlanta, GA, and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1959. She attended Truett-Mcconnell College, in Cleveland, GA, where she earned her Associate Degree, and Belmont College, in Nashville, TN, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree. She also received her Master's Degree from the University of South Alabama, in Mobile, AL; and finally, obtained her Education Specialist Degree in School Counseling from West Georgia College in Carrollton, GA.
Vivie taught school for 11 years at Mobile Christian School in Mobile, AL, and later moved back "home" to Cumming, GA, where she was then employed as a counselor at North Forsyth Middle School for 18 years. After 29 years of being a part of the education system, Vivie retired and once again moved back to Alabama. She lived out the remainder of her life in Foley, Alabama.
Vivian attended the First Baptist Church of Foley, Alabama, and attended First Baptist Church of Cumming before moving to Alabama and truly enjoyed being a part of her church family. Vivie also loved to travel with her sisters, as well as with her church group, and she never shied away from a new adventure. Vivie did not simply make acquaintances, but instead made life-long friends. She was beloved by past teachers and students alike, and made an impact on everyone she met. Vivie was named "Woman of the Year" by Forsyth County in 1994, and was a volunteer for the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA. She was a faithful giver and supporter of The Parkinson's Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Alabama Sheriff's Boy's Ranch. Giving back was her nature, and she left every situation better than she found it any time she was able. Vivian was a blessing to all, and she will be deeply missed by those she has left behind.
Vivian is in her eternal home, and undoubtedly receiving the many treasures that she has laid up in Heaven, and she will one day greet us again with open arms.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Jolly officiating. The interment will follow at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Ingram Funeral Home.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"I worked with Vivian as the Counseling Office secretary for several years and got to see her retire. I so enjoyed hearing about the Pirkle sister antics and travel. She loved her sons and grandchildren endlessly. She was so very proud of each of them. She was an amazing counselor to so many students and forever changed their lives. "
"So sorry to hear about Vivian. She was a good, caring person. I remember a few of our Red Hat meetings and get togethers. Also, she was a good counselor at North Middle. After she retired and moved to Alabama, I saw her again when we met to go to an insurance meeting together. We all seemed to lose touch after retirement. Our prayers are with you. I know how much she will be missed."