Mrs Vivian Norma Frank

Vivian Norma Frank, age 80, met her Bridegroom in Heaven on March 15, 2014. She fought hard to stay here, but when she saw Him standing at the gate waiting for her, she could not resist, and drew her last breath here on earth.

Vivian was born on April 2nd, 1933 in Crosby, North Dakota; the daughter of Ervin Abraham and May Elizabeth Knaus. The family came to San Francisco to settle when Vivian was only seven years old. She attended Sunnyside Elementary School, Aptos Junior High School, and Abraham Lincoln High School. She had one sister, and three brothers, all deceased, and many nieces and nephews.

Vivian was a strong Christian woman and met her first, and only, sweetheart, Hubert E. Frank, at the Open Bible Servicemen’s Center on Market Street in San Francisco where her mother, May, cooked, and she served the many servicemen who stopped by for a hot meal and Christian fellowship. She and Hugh automatically took a shine to each other. On June 27, 1951 they were married, and Hugh was shipped out to the Korean War. It was a tough time for them, but they had a wonderful marriage for 38 years, until Hugh passed away at the age of 57, leaving his Queen behind. Vivian’s heart was broken and she could never look at another man, waiting for the day she would be reunited with her one true love.

On June 7th, 1954, Vivian gave birth to a daughter; Pamela Maye Frank. Only three months later she and Hugh packed all they owned and moved to Eugene, Oregon to attend college at the Bible Standard Institute where she earned a degree in Childhood Development on June 6th, 1957. Vivian also received a Teacher’s Credential from the Evangelical Teacher Training Association. But, Vivian decided to raise her daughter and be the best wife to Hugh that she could be rather than pursuing a career in teaching.

In 1960 the Frank Family started to attend Glad Tidings Church in San Francisco, where Vivian had attended as a small child before moving over to the Open Bible Church. While Hugh served on staff and taught a Teen Challenge class, Vivian taught Sunday school and supported Hugh in his class. She also worked as an alter worker, and she mentored many women in the ways of the Lord. The dear friends that were made at Glad Tidings remained faithful to their friendship to the end.

When Pam was in high school Vivian began working as the Executive Secretary of the head of Audio Bible Studies International, and she also worked part time for KFAX Radio, a Christian radio station, in San Francisco.

In August 1972 Hugh and Vivian purchased a new home in Newark, California to escape the cold and dampness in the City. They attended Newark Assembly of God Church for many years, and when Hugh passed away Vivian began to attend church with a dear friend at the Fremont First Assembly of God.

Vivian always loved to have a house full of children and took in many foster children, both in San Francisco, and in Newark. She kept in contact with most of those children for the rest of her life and modeled the Christian way of living to all of them.

When Pam married and had her own daughters, Samantha and Rebekah, Vivian could not have been happier. She LOVED being a Grandma and her granddaughters were her pride and joy. They seemed to fill the great void that losing Hugh had caused.

Vivian touched lives wherever she went. She mentored many women in the Word of God, which she hid deeply in her heart.

Several years ago Vivian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She covered it very well for many years. In the most recent years she succumbed to the diseases, but, she NEVER forgot a scripture or its reference. When ladies would stop by to chat with her she would always quote them a scripture and pray over them. It was amazing to me, her daughter, who saw that she couldn’t even remember how to put her shoes on, but could quote a reference and verse without hesitation. She certainly did take to heart the verse in Psalm 119:11, “Thy Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Her memory may have faded away, but the Word she hid in her heart did not. Vivian was a witness to the very end, lovingly sharing her Lord with every person who came to her beside. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Vivian is survived by her daughter; Pam Reynolds, her son-in-law, Bill Reynolds, her two granddaughters; Samantha and Rebekah Reynolds, and her grandson, as she referred to him, Jack, the dog, who had become her constant companion to the end.