Vivian McFalls

Charles Vivian Pell McFalls passed away on February 21, 2014, after a long illness surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Chattanooga on September 17, 1927, Vivian met her husband, John Joseph “Jay” McFalls, at the Margate Hosiery Mill when they were teenagers, and they married soon after. Called “Ma” by many, Vivian was a mother to more than just her own family. Though they were little older than children themselves when they married, Jay and Vivian welcomed numerous people into their household.

An avid bowler with a 140 average in her prime, Vivian took great joy in friends and family. She was known for her green beans, her pride, and the speed with which she could provide a snappy retort when provoked. Vivian kept her hair short, her nails long, and her opinions just the right length. She loved knitting, black cherry ice cream, and Elvis Presley. Vivian’s proudest achievement and greatest loves were her three children, whom she doted upon tirelessly.

She is predeceased by her two brothers, Robert C. Pell and J.O. (James Oscar) Pell; her infant son, Carlos Devaniel; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by her devoted husband John McFalls; two sisters, Jeannette Pell Sayre and Ruth (Bob) Pell Black; three children, Brenda Williams, Rhonda (Jim) Catanzaro, and Joe (Lara Beth) McFalls; grandchildren, Paul Williams, Jr., Scott Williams, Dianne Williams Hughes, Lucas McFalls, and Kaycee McFalls; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Blood is not the only tie that binds, however, and Vivian had many lifelong friends and neighbors who acted as family throughout her years in Chattanooga. Many thanks go to the Hearth Hospice staff who lovingly cared for Vivian in her final months, particularly Tonya Sexton and Lora Baker.

A memorial service conducted by family friend Allan Ledford will be held Monday, February 24, 10:00 am at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Pall bearers are Charlie Harless, Will Harless, Lance Richie, Chad Snyder, Alfred Hawkins and Jim Catanzaro, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are John Cupp, John Merritt, and Bruce Guthrie.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Martin Boyd Retirement Home.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee.