Vivian Ann Rowland Jones was born on April 9, 1926 in LaPile, Arkansas to Samuel and Otelia Rowland. Vivian graduated from Gardener High School and was a 1948 graduate of Philander Smith College. She returned home to Huttig where she taught at Gardener school.
Vivian was a member of Elmhurst United Methodist Church in Oakland where she served as lay leader, communion steward, Sunday school teacher and member of United Methodist Women. She was devoted to her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she was initiated at Philander Smith in 1946.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Otelia Rowland, brothers Johnny Rowland, Jerry Lee Rowland, Magellan Rowland, Robert Rowland, John Rowland, Eugene Rowland, and Samuel Perry Rowland and sister Ozella Adams. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Dera R. Williams (Ronald), Laybon Jones Jr., M.D. and Florence J. Valentine (Maurice Sr); grandchildren, Rebecca Lynn Williams, Mareesa Allyse Valentine and Maurice Valentine Jr; her best friend, great-granddaughter, Brooklynn Aria Williams; sister, Bera Faye Cockrell and brothers, James B. Rowland, Charles Rowland and Aubrey Rowland. Interment will be at 3 pm Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Batts Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com.