Vivian Foley Howard, 78, of Jasper, Georgia, died March 7, 2025. Originally from Opp, Alabama, Vivian's family moved to Lithonia, Georgia, when she was 5 years old, and Georgia became her forever home. She began dating the love of her life, Ed Howard, when she was just 14 years old, and they married in September of 1965, just after her graduation from Lithonia High School. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Until her marriage to Ed, Vivian had been a member of Rockland United Methodist Church. It was then that she became an active and involved member of Lithonia First United Methodist Church where she encouraged her children to be as well.
Professionally, Vivian had a long career with Compu-Tax before retiring from DeKalb Community College. Upon retirement, she and Ed relocated to Jasper where she kept busy with crafting, particularly quilting, wreath making and embroidery. She was an active member of the Jasper Chapter of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed participating in their fancy lunches and local charity projects. Vivian also enjoyed traveling and often accompanied Ed on his business trips, visiting places such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Mexico, and many states across the U.S.
She had a particular fondness for the Christmas season, and her cherished collection of Santa Clauses was beyond belief. Some of the most beautiful were kept on display in a special curio cabinet all year long. Santa was her favorite! Decorating their home perfectly for hosting the Howard Thanksgiving brought her much joy each year.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Foley; father, Pete Foley; brothers, Phillip Foley, Terrell Foley; and son, Jay Howard. Survivors include her beloved husband, Ed Howard of Jasper; daughter, Dori Howard of Loganville; son, Alan Howard of Loganville; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Howard of Hartwell; granddaughters, Sarah Gilliam (Zack) of Leesburg, Megan Howard of Blairsville; sisters-in-law, Ramona Owens, Carla Hopkins (Hal) all of Conyers; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
A memorial service to honor Vivian's life will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the chapel of Henry Funeral Home, 6833 Church St., Lithonia, with Dr. Jim Martin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1-2 PM. Flowers are welcomed, or contributions in her memory to Georgia Mountains Hospice, who provided phenomenal care for Vivian and family, are appreciated. www.georgiamountainshospice.org.