Vivian Garland Walker, 78, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026. Vivian was born in Laurel, Mississippi to Mildred Devine Garland and the late Michael James "Speck" Garland. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, John W. Walker, III and her brother, Michael James Garland, Jr.
Vivian grew up across the US and Germany owing to her father’s service in the US army, but graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel, MS. She then attended Mississippi State College for Women where she earned a degree in English with a minor in History. She taught English at Norview Junior High before stopping to raise a family.
Vivian was a longtime, active member of Norview United Methodist Church. In the many years that she was a member, she sang in the choir, helped produce the newsletter, taught multiple Sunday School classes as well as Vacation Bible School, and served on numerous committees. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women. Vivian enjoyed reading, sacred as well as classical music, riding roller coasters, and loved animals… especially cats.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her sons, John Michael Walker (Vicky) and James Garland Tyler-Walker (Richard); grandson, Justin Walker; sister, Barbara Meaders (Sandy); sister-in-law, Kelly Garland; and a host of other family and friends.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Waterbrooke Assisted Living for all of their compassionate help during Vivian's time there.
The family invites friends to a time of visitation on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk. A funeral to celebrate Vivian's life will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the funeral, she will be laid to rest beside her husband in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Norview United Methodist Church: 1112 Norview Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513. Please visit her webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave a note of condolence to her family.
