Vivian Rea Darden Rountree received the gift of eternal life on the morning of July 8, 2022, while surrounded by her family. A faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout her life, Vivian played the organ at Western Branch Baptist Church for 43 years and ensured that Christian values were instilled in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Born in Isle of Wight County on September 11, 1927, Vivian was the youngest of three children born to William Jackson Darden and Daisy Mae Murphy Darden. Vivian always looked up to her sister, Grace Darden Lankford and brother, Charles Taylor Darden. A proud Smithfield resident throughout her youth, Vivian chose to stay close to home while pursuing further education. In 1948, she graduated from William & Mary with a Bachelor's in Science in Physical Education with a minor in Music.

Through her sister Grace, Vivian met the love of her life, Graham Thomas Rountree. In July 1948, she married G.T. at Isle of Wight Christian Church and they began to build their family. Vivian's kindness and patience helped her husband battle PTSD following his return from the Pacific in World War II. She stood by his side during his bout with lung cancer until his death in 1972. Although separated by death, Vivian remained loyal to G.T. until their joyous reunion in heaven.

Shortly following the death of G.T., her first grandson Glenn was born and she became known to everyone succeeding as Memaw. Memaw enjoyed taking pictures of her family and at every gathering could be seen with a camera in her hands, ready to snap a photo. Each picture of her family is a snapshot of her heart.

With a quick wit combined with a joyful persona, she was a light to all who encountered her at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, 4-H, and the Woman's Missionaries Union and Girls Auxillary programs at Western Branch Baptist Church where she was a member for 74 years. Vivian also taught piano to children in the Suffolk community for many years.

Vivian enjoyed watching blue birds, playing cards, visiting the shut-ins, placing flowers on the graves of her beloved family members, and snacking on Mr. Goodbar. Often, she was found sitting at the piano playing, either a song already written or a tune arranged in her mind.

Vivian was predeceased by her husband, Graham Thomas Rountree, siblings, parents, and various grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her longing to be rejoined with them carried her through these last years with hope.

Left to cherish her memory and love is son, Thomas Rountree (Ellen), daughters, Jan Augustine (Steve) and Connie Williams (John), along with five grandchildren, Glenn (Renee), Jeremy (Kristin), Chad (Amy), Heather (Mike), and AnnRea. Although she could have been mistaken for an avid-sports fan based on the hours she spent at the sports field, she was actually an avid-grandchildren and great-grandchildren fan. She boasted in her ten great grandchildren, Madison (Jesse), Taylor, Graham, Laurel, Kathryn, Caroline, Rylan, Aubrey, Kasey, and Kara Beth, filling her home with numerous pictures of them. Also, left to remember her are her extended family and many, many friends.

The knowledge that she is eternally happy, healthy, and thriving in divine peace, joined with her dear husband and her eternal Lord and Savior soothes the ache in our heart.

Vivian's funeral service will be 11:00 am, Monday, July 11, 2022 at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Tim Rawls officiating. Burial will follow at Western Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.