Vivian A Brim

Vivian A. Brim was born to Russell Asbury and Laura Mitchell in Union Town, KS January 26, 1924. Vivian was one of three children, JJ her older brother and little sister Helen. Her dad was a station agent, moving where there was work for the railroad. She grew up in Kansas and Missouri in a close and loving family. During the summers, of her early childhood, the 3 children were sent to their Grandmother, Minnie White in Centralia, MO. Those summers provided Vivian many enjoyable memories. While they were growing up, Vivian acquired the nickname Bibo. Young Helen, had trouble saying Vivian, out came Vivo which evolved to Bibo. During her early life, the United States suffered a terrible depression. Later, Vivian would comment that they didn’t know they were poor, because everyone was poor. If they received a penny to buy candy, it was a real treat. Her teenage years were spent in Hudson, Kansas. There was a grain elevator for the local farmers, an independent flour mill and her dad was the depot’s station agent. In high school, she was the homecoming queen and very popular. She met her future husband, Byron Brim as he was in the Army traveling to California. He stopped in Hudson to see his brother Leonard. To hear the story their 1st meeting did not go well. Vivian thought Byron was ‘big headed’ but that didn’t bother him. He knew he met someone very special. The courtship was short; on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, they were married in Hudson. The young couple did not have much time. Quickly going to California, Byron trained for amphibious landings for the Pacific war and Vivian, at 18 years young, was learning to make a home. When Byron shipped out from San Francisco to the Pacific Theater, Vivian returned to Hudson. It would be over 2 and half years before they would be united again. Can you imagine their meeting after being separated for so long, each enduring the hardships of time, war and separation; with letters being their only communication? During the next twenty years Byron’s Army career afforded the couple from the plains of the Midwest the exciting opportunity to travel around America and the world. They made many lasting friendships during this time that have flowed down to following generations. Vivian’s door was always open and her skills as a cook assured no one left hungry. This wonderful hospitality came from her strong faith as a Christian woman and her love for the Lord, family and friends. Vivian’s faith was a testament and example to many younger women and men. Vivian was a prolific writer, not books or short stories, but cards. Birthdays, anniversaries, thinking of you, hope you feel better soon; the list goes on. Her monthly calendar is filled with key dates with the names of people and special events. She could be found sitting at her desk or the dining room table, writing a special note, heart to heart. Vivian held the wisdom of knowing the difference between transitory and everlasting. Relationships, true relationships built upon the foundation of love are everlasting. Not the false fickle love that surrounds us but the love of Christ, the love that sacrifices oneself for others. Vivian, while quiet in crowds, connected with individuals where they were. She could walk into a room of strangers and walk out with new friends. Vivian will be missed. There is an empty chair at the bridge table where there was a beautiful wonderful lovely lady. Just as Vivian knew, we also know, we are promised as believers in Christ, just as Christ lives, she lives and that we will see her again. Monday, April 1, 2019 at 12:30 PM, we will celebrate her going home to be with the Lord on at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Braddock Road, Centreville, Virginia. A reception of food and fellowship will follow at Westfields Golf Club, 13940 Balmoral Greens Ave., Clifton, VA 20124. Interment is Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Arlington National Cemetery. Those attending the service should gather at the Administrative Building where parking is available and arrive at the cemetery 30 to 45 minutes prior to the scheduled service time. Attendees will not be allowed entry into the cemetery earlier than one hour prior to the scheduled service. When a spouse or other eligible dependent of a current or former member of the Armed Forces is buried at Arlington, the military service in which the service member served will provide a casket team or body bearers and a military chaplain, if requested. No other military funeral honors will be rendered unless the spouse also served in the military. Vivian requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Centreville United Methodist Church (CUMC) with a note for support of missions. CUMC’s address is: 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA 20121.