Vivian Maness was a native of Ramer, TN born on June 11, 1924. She was a lifelong resident of McNairy County living most of her married life in Selmer. She graduated from Ramer High School in 1942 and married her classmate, James Whitten Maness on October 9, 1943.
She was a member of the Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church for more than
80 years. In that time, she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher and served as a member of the Church Choir. Vivian considered her church family a very important part of her life.
Momma Vivian or Momma B, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, led by example. She was a very determined person, loved God, her family, and friends. She had a great heart for helping others. Vivian was an avid reader, a talented seamstress, a devoted St. Louis Cardinal Supporter, and loved bluegrass and gospel music.
Ms. Maness was preceded in death by her parents, William Patan McMahan and Era
McCormack McMahan, her brother, Terrell, her husband, James Whitten Maness, her son, James Randall Maness, and her grandson, Steven Randall Maness. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Thomas (Joe), her son, Roger Maness (Sophie), her daughter-in law, Darla Maness and a special brother-in-law Joe Dan Maness (Barbara).
She was also survived by her grandchildren, Malisa Thomas Slaughter (Scott), Brian
Maness, Sophie Ann Kivett, Jerry Kivett, Ginger Maness Schrader (Alan), Nathan Maness (Kathy), and Melissa Powell. She was so very proud of her 12 great grandchildren.
Services were held at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer on April 13, 2017, burial will follow at Lake Hill Memory Gardens. Rev. Matthew Ingram will officiate and pall bearers are: Brian Maness, Nathan Maness, Mike Maness, Joey Maness, Blake Slaughter, Sam Slaughter, Hayden Schrader, and Colby Maness.
Memorials may be sent to Mt. Vernon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3073 Mt. Vernon Rd, Ramer, TN 38367.
