Born to the late Johnny Jones, Jr. and Ruth (Davis) Jones on September 15, 1956, she went into eternal rest at her home surrounded by her husband and daughter on Wednesday, June 14, 1917 in Memphis, TN.

Vivian was a native of Columbia, S.C where she grew up and lived with her grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Johnny, Sr. and Annie Mae Jones. In 2000 she relocated to Memphis with her husband, James Albert. It was there that she accepted the call of God to evangelism and outreach ministry. She was ordained in September 2014.

She spent many hours visiting communities that others would not dare to tread. She used her own past life experiences to pray, counsel, witness and inspire other women struggling to raise their families. She would use her own resources to prepare food and provide clothing for those in need wherever the Holy Spirit directed her. She was also instrumental in finding other necessary resources of assistance available to those she served.

While she experienced many personal challenges early in her life, she did not let those challenges define her future. With boldness she loved and raised her children to pursue the love of God and education. She was a parent involved in the school system to ensure that they raised a child, and did not hesitate to seek help when she needed it. The success of her children is a testament to her commitment.

Vivian was employed at Rhodes College in Memphis for many years. Even though her title was Dormitory Housekeeper, she was the unofficial counselor and den mother of the students. When meeting hesitant parents leaving their students for the first time, they found comfort leaving them in the hands of Miss Vivian. She was featured in the school’s newspaper several times for her services to the college and the care she gave to the students. She also received several awards.

“Miss Vivian,” as she was affectionately called, was known for her good cooking and tasty meals. She often talked about starting her own business that would bear the name “O” Taste and See that the Lord is good. (Psalms 34:8) While the business did not materialize, the taste of her food fulfilled the name.

Vivian was a devoted wife and mother and dearly loved her husband, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings. She also enjoyed being around her extended family. The family could count on her to bring forth her stylish, vivacious and lively personality that count be dismissed or duplicated.

Vivian was predeceased by her father Johnny Jones, Jr. and her brother Roman Jones.

With love Vivian will always be remembered by: her husband, James, her daughter Tacinta (Kevin) Connor; three sons, Kenyatte (Dena); James (Ingrid) Albert II; and Yamari (Ladawn) Albert; seven grandchildren, Asad Connor, Nigel Connor, Trinity Connor, Deion Albert, Tamia Albert, Yamani Albert, Jr. Yosiah Albert; her loving mother, Ruth Jones; two sisters, Johnny Mae (David) Smith and Jestine Jones; one brother, Lyndon Jones, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her pastor and church family at Persuit of Happiness.