Ara Vivian Hereford

Ara Vivian Hereford was born on October 21. 1928, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Bertha Lee and Dee Hereford. She was the eldest of seven children at an early age, Ara developed a strong foundation in faith while spending time with her grandmother.

She attended and graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar elementary school. Ara began her high school education at Booker T. High School; however, due to her family's relocation, she later transferred to Carver High School, where she graduated. Ara went on to pursue her passion for beauty by enrolling at Walker Beauty Cosmetology School. Upon graduating, she became a licensed cosmetologist and worked for many years as a dedicated and skilled hairstylist.

Later in life, Ara moved to California, where she chose to follow a new career path in healthcare. She enrolled in college and completed the necessary training to become both a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and a Registered Nurse (RN). Ara devoted 15 years of service as a nurse at Kaiser Hospital, where she cared for countless patients with compassion and professionalism.

In 1983, Ara relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, she continued her nursing career at Maricopa County Hospital, where she worked for three years. She later joined Carl T. Hayden Veterans Medical Center, serving as an RN and charge nurse from 1986 until her retirement in 1992.

Ara was married several times, though no children were born from these unions. She later met and fell in love with John, her devoted partner, who preceded her in death. Ara cherished her family deeply and found great joy in spending time with her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She also lovingly served as her mother's in-home caregiver for five years, remaining by her side until her mother's peaceful transition to be with the Lord.

Ara had a love for travel and enjoyed visiting many beautiful destinations, including the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha L. Hereford-Pete and Dee Hereford; her stepfather, Louis N. Pete: her sister, Leroy and Lorena moses; her brothers, Elbert Hereford Sr., Alvin Hereford, Albert Hereford, Edward D. and Ruth Hereford, and Louis F. Pete.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister-in-law, Dr. Josephine Pete, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 5802 S 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85041, US, on April 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on April 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. on April 20, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.