Vivian Talley

Vivian Richards Talley, died Tuesday, March 19, 2013. She was reared in St. Elmo. She was an honor graduate of the Howard High School class of 1955. Vivian attended Alabama A&M University where she played in the Marching and Concert Bands, The Thespians, and she was an AKA. Vivian received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from UTC.She worked for most of here professional life as a Technical Librarian for TVA in Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn. where she retired after 17 years. She returned back to Chattanooga and worked as an Assistant Librarian for the McCallie School where she retired after 10 years of service, at which time, The Vivian R. Talley Jazz Collection was donated in her honor.Vivian was preceded in death by her grandparents, Milton and Mattie A. Cathey Sr.; her parents, Carl B. and Susie Cathey Woods; aunt Leila E. Cathey; and uncle Milton H. Cathey Jr.; sister, Ida D. Strickland.She is survived by her sons, Joel and Kevin Richards and Marcus Talley; grandchildren, Marcus Dewayne Talley, Ashley Danielle Parks, Amanda Peters, Alexis D. Hogan, and great-granddaughter, Aleah Sanders who was cherished and much loved by Vivian. Nephew and nieces, Gregory (Angela) Kathy and Felicia Strickland, and other grand and great-grand nephews and nieces; Cousin, James E. Cathey Jr. (Detroit) and a very special cousin Wallace Cathey Sr. as well as a host of other cousins. A great thanks to Vivians devoted friends, Gale Mauk, Carlton, and Nancy Coffey, James and Nancy Lackey.One of Vivians greatest joys were books. She considered herself fortunate to have spent a great part of her life as a Librarian surrounded by wonderful collections of information. Her final wishes are that we give of ourselves, try to ensure the rights of all people, and to protect our environment and our planet. Vivians desire was to be cremated and that she not be memorialized. There will be no service to mark her passing.Arrangements are by Hardwick & Sons Funeral Home, 765 East ML King Blvd., 423-267-1244. www.hardwickandsons.com