Vivian Seiber Gehlken

Vivian Seiber Gehlken, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, she graduated from St. Andrews High School in Charleston, SC, and received her Bachelor of Science, with a major in English, from The College of Charleston. She went on to receive a Master of Librarianship in 1989, a Master of Education in 1993, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1994, each from The University of South Carolina. She gave numerous presentations for the American Library Association, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She also published journal articles and co-authored works in Philosophy and Leadership.

One of her greatest joys was being in the classroom with her students. She loved every second she spent teaching, mentoring, and guiding her students throughout her career. She had such a love for life and a passion for learning, whether it was for herself or those she taught. Most recently, she spent her time as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at W. J. Keenan High School. Her career in education spanned over 40 years in South Carolina in which she taught at numerous schools including Irmo High School, James F. Byrnes Academy, and Claude A. Taylor Elementary.

She was also an active member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, serving in many roles. Some roles she participated in were Bible Study, Sunday School, Church Council, Social Ministry, and Club Saturday.

Her parents, Kyle and Celia Seiber and brother, Kyle Jr. preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Henry D. Gehlken; daughter, Debbie (Randy) Odell; son, Doug (Michelle) Gehlken; five grandchildren, Gordon Odell, Austin Odell, Alyssa Odell, Gabe Gehlken, and Seneca Gehlken; sister, Linda Taylor and brother, Robert Seiber, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Everyone who knew her will remember her as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, volunteer, and friend.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2022. The service will start at 4:30 pm at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. The family will receive friends following the service.

Our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care and services provided by St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Agape Hospice Care Services, and Caughman-Harman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to a local Animal Care Group or St. Andrew's Lutheran Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Gehlken family.