Vivienne "Gram" Burgess

Gram went to heaven on November 3, 2021 in Norman, OK.

She was born at home on December 08, 1931 to parents Thurman and Birdie Mae Johnson

Gram grew up with her brothers and sisters and resided in Boron, California for many years before she moved to Noble, Oklahoma. She married Vernon A. Bennett and devoted her life to raising her six children- Johnny, Gary, Lou, Carol, Pamela and Mark. She later married Donald E. Burgess “Pop” on June 21, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada where they continued to love and care for many grandchildren until his passing May 10, 2003.

Gram enjoyed morning coffee while reading books and watching Prices Right and Dateline. She was a wonderful cook, famous for chicken and dumplings, peanut butter crackers and banana nut bread. In the last few years, she discovered Facebook on her tablet where she connected with distant friends and family, also where she courageously voiced her opinion if you liked it or not. She loved when her grandbabies called to chat with her, as long as it wasn’t during Good Morning America, however, nephew Brandon Walkup was the exception. Fond memories were of Gram having her box of chocolates under her bed and the wonderful butterfly - fly swatter within reach (just in case). Regardless of a pandemic, Gram would never miss her nail appointment. She was the most beautiful woman, inside and out.

She was preceded in death by, her parents and her siblings Neoma, Wilfred, Doyle and Mary, brother-in-law JD, her husband Donald Burgess, sons Johnny and Lou and grandson Gannon Bennett.

Gram is survived by her siblings Thurman Johnson and Sharon Walkup; children, Gary Bennett and wife Carolyn, Carol Reed and husband Darwin, Pamela Jones and husband Mike, and Mark Bennett; grandchildren, Michael and wife Barbara, Phillip and wife Susan, Amber Zerbel, Erica and husband Michael, Chelsea and husband Hayden, Kris and wife Debbie, Katie and husband Adam, Becca and husband Drew, Summer Stephens, Casey and husband Anthony, Josh and wife Natasha, Ryan Stephens, Tanner Jones, Rosie Jones, Ashley and husband Tyler; great grandchildren: Austin, Chloe and Parker, Kylie and Carter, Malissa, Ryan, Bradley and Ashley, Gannon and Brantley, Paxton and soon to be Tate, Kennedy, Kate and Klaire, Avery, Cai, Konnor, Jayce, Kameron, Rylie and Aiden, Payton and Brayden, Blakely Ann, Javier and Jasiel, Turner, Eli and Parker; Great-great granddaughter, Aspyn Karter Austin - father Konnor, her mother Alex and aunt Avery.

Vivienne’s service will be held at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel on Monday November 8th, at 2:00 pm officiated by Bob Usry. Following the funeral services, burial will be held at Noble Cemetery.

Poem written by granddaughter Becca Munson.

“It may sound so simple, but it means so much to me.”

Thank you for paving the way and setting the tone.

Wherever YOU are, has always been home.

Thank you, for the stubborn will and strong soul.

This has helped us more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you, for kisses right on the lips.

It will be something we never forget.

Thank you, for raising us all so well.

The stories of you, forever we will tell.

Thank you, for all the unapologetic truths.

You kept us humble, constantly reminded of our roots.

Thank you, for being our first true love.

Our hero, our heart, watch us safe from above.