Vivian Ethridge Usry, 92, went to meet her Lord Friday, Sept. 30th, 2022. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Jackson, MS on Friday October 7th. Visitation from 9:30 -11:00 AM followed by a memorial service, then a private family graveside.
Vivian was born in Soso, MS on September 10th, 1930. Her family moved to Mt. Olive, MS shortly afterwards and she enjoyed her childhood there being the youngest of 11 children. She is preceded in death by her husband Burtus Perrell Usry, parents Henry Gustavus Ethridge and Annie Sumrall Ethridge, and all of her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her children; Michael P. Usry (Jane), David N. Usry (Ann), and Melinda L. (Mindy) Usry, by her grandchildren; Michael P. Usry Jr. (Leah), Andrea Usry Gifford (Dave), Falan Usry Lannoy (Allan), Lindsey Usry Stevens (Jake), Tiffany Usry Jones (Jason), David N. Usry, Jr. and Nathan E. Usry (Shelby); and by 17 great grandchildren.
She graduated high school early at the age of 16, and after a short time working in Pascagoula, MS moved to Jackson, MS. to attend business school. While attending school she also worked as an executive assistant to Rex Brown. She loved learning and went on to get her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. She taught fourth grade at Wilkins and Lester of the Jackson Public School System and later served as Principal of Lester. Although being the administrator was rewarding, she confessed later that she preferred being in the classroom with the children.
She loved cooking, and feeding as many at her table that would come every Sunday after church. She and Burt grew huge vegetable gardens to help feed their big family, and were Master Gardeners for fun in their retirement years.
She was a voracious reader, a bird watcher, and a lover of all creatures. She adorned the world with a life of purity, usefulness, honesty, fairness, and self sacrifice. She gave her family righteous counsel in lessons of wisdom, humility, and faithfulness all the days of her life.
Vivian and Burt enjoyed 67 years of life together. Their legacy includes years of Christian faith with Daniel Memorial Baptist, and Alta Woods Baptist of Jackson and then with Wildwood Baptist in Clinton, MS .
She was always smiling, and always teaching. She lived her life with kindness, and true joy and will be greatly missed. May she enjoy eternity with her Heavenly Father and the remembrance of her be a blessing to those who knew her.
The family would like to sincerely thank Vivian’s caregivers, Becky Barlow Kellow and Cheryl Nations King for their immense kindness, compassion, and exceptional care.
Any donations honoring Vivian’s memory can be made to Wildwood Baptist Church, 101 Auburn Drive, Clinton, MS 39056.
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