Vivian Ledford Brewer

COLUMBIA Vivian Ledford Brewer passed away peacefully on the first of August 2024, two weeks shy of her 83rd birthday, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, S.C. Faced with a brief but fatal ailment, and with her typical strength, Vivian fought on until her loved ones were assembled to say “Goodbye”.

Vivian was born in Greenville, South Carolina on August 14, 1941, to the late Marvin Leonard Ledford and Mabel Ledford (nee Turner). In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers, Leonard Ledford and Charles Ledford and his wife, Susan, and by her first child and daughter, Caroline McKenzie Brewer.

Diminutive in stature, Vivian had a big heart, a quick wit, infinite toughness, and opinions with deep roots. She was loving and fearless.

Vivian loved the sport of tennis – especially the comradery of her “tennis friends” who were so dear to her heart. She loved USC football and basketball. One of the thrills of her life was meeting the championship Lady Gamecocks. She loved books and especially loved sharing them with her Book Club.

Vivian graduated from Greenville High School in 1959. She moved to Columbia, S.C., where she met her former husband, Wilburn Brewer, Jr. Vivian graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1962 with a degree in Education and taught English for four years at Columbia High School. Vivian was a lifelong advocate of public education.

Vivian continued her career teaching night classes to soldiers and as an education counselor at the Education Center in Fort Jackson, S.C. She joined the Richland Women’s Club in 1967 and was awarded the Young Woman of the Year in the Greater Columbia Area in 1968, and she was presented the Distinguished Award for 1968 by the Columbia Jaycees for many public service projects she initiated. Later in life, Vivian focused on caring for and rearing her family, and continued to be involved in public service.

Vivian’s family also included cats and dogs, all rescues. Surviving is her dog Amy, who was named after one of Vivian’s best friends. Rejoicing in Heaven with Vivian are dogs, Timmy, Andy, Buffy, Tina, and Ben, and cats, Kitty, Tom, Dolly, Kate and Chloe. She is survived by her children, Steven Wilburn Brewer (spouse Anastasia Fink), Cameron Brewer Broach (spouse Ronnie Broach); her grandchildren, Sarah, Megan, and Keira Barkley, and a sister, Connie Ledford Baran (spouse William). She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ann Marie Ledford, nieces, Morgan Ledford, Laurel Wright, Molly Ledford, Elizabeth Baran, and nephew, Michael Ledford.

To their credit, Vivian and Wilburn reconciled their differences for the benefit of their children. Vivian continued to be accepted and loved by the many cousins and other relatives of the Brewers and Chaplins, for which Vivian and her family are grateful.

Vivian was also blessed with many special friends from all her life experiences, for which Vivian and her family are also grateful.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Dunbar Funeral Home-Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, www.v.org, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 or a charity of your choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.