Vivian Lovelace Thompson

Vivian Janice Lovelace Thompson was born on January 18, 1954, the fourth child of Robert Earl Lovelace and Evelyn Mae Anthony Lovelace in Florence, Alabama. She went peacefully to her heavenly home on October 14, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.

Vivian and Leonard Ray Thompson, also of Florence, Alabama were childhood sweethearts who eventually entered into a marriage which lasted for fifty one years. Vivian’s devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren was unwavering.

Her education began at her Aunt Lucy Beasley’s kindergarten and continued through W.C. Handy Elementary School, Burrell Slater High School, and Coffee High School. She played saxophone in the bands of both high schools, was a member of the 4H Club, and was the recipient of numerous academic awards. She was nurtured as a member of St. Paul A.M.E. church where she was a pianist and organist. In 1976, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and membership in Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduation, Vivian moved to Atlanta,Georgia to be with her husband Leonard, where she worked at Coastal States Life Insurance Company while he completed his degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Through their journey together they made a “home” in Alabama, Georgia,Tennessee, and Ohio, before eventually moving to Arizona where Vivian worked at Sprouts Farmers Market as a Vitamin and Herbal Specialist for twenty two years as a highly-demanded employee whose loyal customers greatly valued her expertise and designated her as their beloved "Vitamin Lady.”

Vivian loved reading, movies, art, music, dining out, travel, and was a skilled seamstress, but her passion stemmed from her generous spirit. Her sister Nina frequently speaks about how often Vivian would freely give without being asked. She not only contributed to multiple charities, but also had a talent for discovering obscure bargains and discounts so she would always have gifts ready and specifically chosen for each member of the family (including extended family) for all occasions. Vivian's thoughtfulness, generosity, wit, wisdom, and her big beautiful smile made everyone around her feel special and brought abundant light, love, and joy.

One of Vivian’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments in life was raising her three daughters. She devoted herself fully to being a loving and supportive mother, guiding her girls with patience, strength, and unwavering faith. Nothing made her happier than seeing her daughters grow into strong, kind, independent women, and mothers. Through them and her grandchildren, her legacy of love and strength will continue to shine.

Vivian was preceded in death by parents: Robert and Evelyn Lovelace, siblings: Robert J. Lovelace, Edward E. Lovelace, Linda G. Lovelace, and Charles K. Lovelace, siblings-in-law: Rosalynd Pride, Debra Hurt, and James (Louise) Otis Thompson, and mother-in-law: Minnie Pride.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a husband: Leonard Ray Thompson; daughters: Letitia (Jerod) Thompson-Hargrave, Adrienne (Ngozi) Collins, Natalie Thompson; grandchildren: Jerod Hargrave, Jr, Janiyah Hargrave, Jalayna Hargrave, Josiah Hargrave, James Miles III, Isaiah Miles, Sophia Collins, and Elijah Gatling; sister: Nina L. Lovelace; sisters and brothers in-law: Yaeko Lovelace, Bessie Lovelace, Dalton (Florida)Thompson, Lenora Pride, Steve Thompson, Cedric Pride, Gregory (Tracy) Pride, Regina (Daryl) Hawkins, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, gifts, etc please make a donation to Vivian’s favorite charity:

ChildFund

Contact ID Number 001342553

Child Number:140037209

Child Name: John Zulu

P.O. Box 1911

Merrifield, VA 22116-1911

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vivian Lovelace Thompson, please visit our floral store.