Vivian Lenore Robinson Brown was born July 11, 1920 in Rentiesville, Oklahoma. She was the eldest daughter born to Golia Walter Robinson and Ruth Banks Robinson. She accepted Christ at the age of nine and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Rentiesville, which was founded by her grandfather, the late Rev.
Nicholas A. Robinson. She graduated from Rentiesville High School in 1939 and later attended Harris Stowe College in St. Louis, MO. Vivian loved music and singing.
She and her sisters Lillian, Lula Mae, and Erma regularly participated in musical programs in Rentiesville. She was the soprano in the group. Vivian moved to Kansas City in 1940 and married Namon Thompson.
To this union, two sons were born: Sherman and Namon Roy. During her early years in Kansas City, she united with Highland Baptist Church. After church reorganization, she was led to join the membership at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church.
Life changes occurred and she married Garland Lee. To this union four daughters were born: Vanilla, Dianna, Jeanette and Shirley. Vivian began cooking at an early age.
She became an excellent cook and was noted for her delectable pies. This skill was passed on to her from her mother and maternal grandfather. While she enjoyed cooking, sewing became her primary occupation.
She was an experienced power machine operator working in the garment district of Kansas City during the late 1950s and 60s. Her passion for sewing was a great asset as she made most of her daughters’ clothing. She opened her own dress shop at home in 1973 and periodically taught sewing classes.
She also made costumes for the Second Baptist Church Easter Cantatas. She continued to take sewing customers until she was in her early 90s. After the passing of Garland Lee, she later married Eugene F. Brown.
In 1986, Mr. Brown preceded her in death. In 1963, she united with Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E.E. Chappelle.
She taught in the Junior High Department for two years, was Superintendent in the Junior High Department for two years, taught Vacation Bible School, and was a member of the Inspirational Choir. Vivian served as President of the Second Baptist Women’s Mission for two terms, was Treasurer of Area V American Baptist Great Rivers Region for two years, and Love Gift Chairperson for three years. Vivian loved to study the Word of God.
She attended Carver Bible Institute and received an Evangelical Teacher Training Certificate from Carver in 1980. She also received a Religious Education Certificate from Carver. In October 2018, Vivian united with Grace Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Aaron E. Lavender.
Vivian was a person of high energy and enthusiasm. Her light-heartedness was a blessing to everyone she met. She was also a role model of strength.
She showed remarkable endurance during the tough times in life. She was preceded in death by her brothers T. Clinton Robinson and Golia W. Robinson, Jr.; sisters, Juanita Howell, Lillian Wynn-Allen, and Lula Mae Miller. She is survived by her sister, Erma Rieves; sons, Sherman L. Thompson and Namon R. Thompson; daughters, Vanilla Lee, Dianna Miller (Cecil), Jeanette McKinnie (Robert), and Shirley Lecher, M.D. (Jay); nine grandchildren, Namon R. Thompson, Jr. (Benita), Dominic Thompson (Erin), Donta Thompson, Robin McKinnie Burns (Mychael), Tamara McKinnie, Timothy McKinnie (Andrea), Jason McKinnie, Cecil R. Miller III, and Nicole E. Lecher; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Grace Baptist Church 8524 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri.
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