Vivian Ruth Searles was an only child born to Willie Victoria and John Wayne Spell on June 19, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Englewood High School and later earned her Associates Degree from Olive Harvey College. Vivian met Charles F. Searles after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, which began their romance, culminating in marriage on December 18, 1948. To this union were born eight children: Carol, Howard (who died in infancy), Ronald, Marie, Beverly, Stephen, Brian, and Cynthia. Vivian would often recall the loneliness associated with being an only child and always prayed fervently for a large family; her prayers were answered.

Vivian was always a hard worker and instilled that work ethic in her children, teaching them the importance of paying attention to detail. She retired from her respected position as a manager at the government bookstore in the Everett M. Dirksen Federal building in downtown Chicago, which included annual trips to Washington, D.C. Vivian did not let retirement slow her down.

Instead, she went back to school and became a licensed real estate agent at the age of 65, where she ascended to top salesperson and had a long, successful career. In the next decade of her life, Vivian continued to reach for new heights. She earned her insurance and securities licenses and became an Investment Specialist and Regional Leader with Primerica. She was also an accomplished seamstress. Amid her ambitious pursuits, she selflessly cared for her aging mother during her last years of life.

In the early 2000s, the prayers of her mother were answered, and Vivian accepted Christ and became a member of Apostolic Church of God under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur M.

Brazier. She exemplified the scripture: "Faith without works is dead" James 2:20. Vivian's service knew no bounds. From visiting nursing homes and hospitals to delivering food to those in need, she continued helping others until her health declined.

The full scope of Vivian's life is hard to capture in just a few paragraphs. She loved with even greater intensity than she worked. Balancing work and home life with grace, she always kept her children as her top priority: preparing home-cooked meals, reading books, playing games, taking trips to the beach and museums, cutting hair, and sewing clothes for herself and her children - Vivian did it all, giving her children the childhood she never had. She rarely missed a grandchild's graduation and cherished every family gathering. She emphasized the importance of education and was diligent about saving money. Our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother led by example, and any admirable qualities you see in her children were nurtured by her at home. Proverbs 31:28: "Her children arise up, and call her blessed".

Vivian, who was affectionately called: Ma, Momma, Grandma, Great Gran, and Gi Gi, will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Spell and Willie (Spell) Henderson; her husband, Charles F. Searles; her son, Howard; and her son-in-law, O'Cephus Starks, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory seven children: Carol, Ronald (Helen), Marie (Calvin), Beverly (Guilford), Stephen (Charlotte), Brian and Cynthia (Dave); twenty-seven grandchildren: Darnell Sr. (Karen), Dwayne, Christopher, O'Cephus Jr., Stephanie, Stephen, Kathleen, Connelia, Kimberly, Calvin Jr. (Lillian), Marida, Stephen II, Alicia (Donnie), Ronald Jr.,

Myra, Brandon, Carrena, LaShanda, Christina (Allwell), Allison, Shante (Isaiah), Brian Jr., Stephenae, Timothy, Deanna (Tony), Cornelius (Shannon), and Christian; sixty-four great-grandchildren; thirty-eight great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Melvin Searles; one sister-in-law, Deborah Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.