Vivian Jean Hersey heard the Lord say "well done thy good and faithful servant" on December 30, 2017 in Maryland surrounded by her family. Legacy farewell service is pending at this time.

Ms. Vivian Jean Harris Hersey, daughter of the late Edward Harris and Cora Borden Harris was born December 4, 1931 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The family moved to Saint Louis, MO where she attended public school, and  following the family’s move to Benton Harbor, MI, she graduated early from Benton Harbor High School at age 16. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where she was baptized by her Uncle, Reverend W. E. Ellis. She was a dedicated member and served on the Nurses Guild until relocating to Maryland in 1998, then attended Cornerstone Peaceful Bible Baptist Church.

Following high school, she married and resided in Kalamazoo, MI, studying  surgical nursing and working at Bronson Hospital. Vivian returned to Benton Harbor and became the “go to” Medical Office Manager and Trainer in the Twin Cities area. After working 25 years for Dr. Hackley E. Woodford, Vivian came out of retirement, sought out to train new medical office assistants, and was subsequently handpicked by Dr. Curtis Frazier “the first African American surgeon in the Twin Cities” to get his practice up and running. Possessing multiple talents and skills, Vivian worked briefly for the State of Michigan, and ultimately found her passion working with Katy Bunting at Bunting House of Flowers. Her life was as beautiful as the floral arrangements she so loved so, her influence will transcend  the lives of all who knew her personally.

She peacefully departed this life Saturday, December 30, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Delores and Retha, and Grandson Kevin II.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Kevin (Derotha) Perkins of Upper Marlboro, MD; Valerie (Alvin) Jenkins of Cheltenham, MD, Eural and Tamika of Grand Rapids, MI; 13 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; sisters: Roberta of Lansing; Helen of Grand Rapids; Evelyn, Phyllis and Joyce of Detroit; brothers: Charles Jr. of Benton Harbor and Stanley (Jocelyn) of Detroit; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends.

 Service Information