Life began for Vivian Theresa Whitehead Walker, on February 19, 1937, in Charles City County, Virginia.
Fondly known to many as “Pop”, she was the sixth of eight children born to Robert E. Whitehead, Sr., and Luevania Miles Whitehead. Educated in the Charles City County public school system, she graduated from Ruthville High School in 1956. Vivian joined St. John Baptist Church at an early age and remained a dedicated member and a faithful servant of the Senior Usher Board for over 50 years until her passing on January 18, 2025.
Upon graduation, Vivian moved to the Richmond/Eastern Henrico County area where she met and married Henry H. Walker – a union which spanned more than 60 years. While working in the City of Richmond in several different occupations, Vivian developed a passion for children and education, finally retiring from Richmond Public Schools as a Teacher’s Assistant. She greatly enjoyed her time with the school system, which afforded her the opportunity to impact the lives of numerous young people which she recounted often.
Vivian enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time with family and the many friends she acquired over the years – Vivian knew no strangers. She always delighted in spending time with her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. No chubby cheeks were spared in her presence. Always full of joy and laughter, she made everyone feel special and loved.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Henry H. Walker, parents, Robert and Luevania Whitehead, and siblings: Iona W. Adkins, Fenton L. Whitehead, Robert E. Whitehead Jr., and Langston H. Whitehead Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memory siblings: Phyllis W. Charity, Carolyn A. Whitehead, and Connie W. Crawley; sister-in-law, Nellie Crump Thomas; brother-in-law, Clifford Walker; many devoted nieces and nephews; cousins (devoted – Lonnie Janes, and Marsha Percy); and friends (special – Karen Goode, Helen Nelson Gray, Dawn Rogers, Phyllis Temple, and Mr. and Mrs. Willie Wright).