Vivian Ann (Barnett) Stovall, a beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, dear
sister, and friend to many, was born on August 25, 1948, in Florence, Alabama. She was the
second of seven children born to the late Rufus Barnett and Ideatt Thornton Barnett Leach,
growing up in a home filled with love and laughter.
Vivian was a proud graduate of Burrell Slater High School, Class of 1967. Driven by a desire to
help others, she earned her LPN in Nursing from Muscle Shoals Technical College and later
pursued further education in Criminal Justice at Athens State College. She was the beloved wife
of the late Roy L. Stovall. Following their marriage on June 6, 1969, she dedicated her career to
nursing, working at Humana Hospital until her retirement in 1992.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Vivian accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted
member of Mt. Zion SDA Church in Florence, Alabama. She served faithfully in many
capacities, including as Treasurer, Head Usher, Stewardess, Assistant in Community Service,
and with the Pathfinders program, where she helped train children in wilderness skills.
Vivian’s greatest joy was her family and helping those in need. She was a strong and nurturing
mother to her two children, Stefanie Stovall and Chad Stovall, both of Florence, Alabama, and a
loving grandmother to Christian (Tyler) Stovall-Kuss of Rochester, NY.
Vivian passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, surrounded by her children
and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Joe Norris Barnett and Rufus Thomas Barnett; her
sister Betty (Barnett) Southern; her bonus brother, Alfred Leach Jr.; her bonus dad, Alfred
Leach Sr.; and two dear nieces, Angela Sangster and Andrea Barnett.
Vivian is survived by her siblings Willa (Guy) Oates, Marcus (Penny) Leach, and Maury
(Kimberly) Leach; bonus sister Frances Greene; and sisters-in-law Pamela Liner (Stovall),
Brenda Barnett, and Sarah Barnett. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and many cherished friends she loved dearly.
Vivian was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to everyone in her life. Her
passions included helping others, gardening—especially planting her wavy petunias every year,
community service, and traveling. She served on the church board for many years and fondly
remembered attending the yearly church camp meetings at Oakwood College. She took special
joy in hosting family gatherings, especially around the holidays, and watching her family achieve
greatness, attending various school events, graduations, and weddings. She enjoyed traveling,
whether it was to the Amish community in Tennessee to pick turnip greens with her late sister
Betty, abroad to London, UK, to visit her brother Maury, and recently to Mexico for her grandson
Christian’s wedding.
Her dearest friends were Ms. Charity Perkins and Ms. Lelia Jarmon, both of Florence, AL; Kay
Cutts of Huntsville, AL; and the late Carolyn Pride of Rogersville, AL. Her dedicated prayer
warriors were Sister Geraldine Hughes, Sister Jerline Rowell, Sister Jewell Satchel, and Sister
Shirley Allen.
Her wisdom, unconditional love, and unwavering faith in the Lord will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
