Vivian
Lee Walker Glenn was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1931 to William
Lee Walker Sr., and Louise Williams Walker. She was the oldest of five
children. Her only brother William (Bill) Walker, sisters Janet Brown and
Jackie Walls, all preceded her in death.
When
Vivian was in high school, it was her father's dream for his children to get a
college education since he had to leave Howard University after a year to help
support his family. She told a teacher that she wanted to go to college. Her
teacher believed that Negroes should be domestics and not college-bound. She
tried to deter Vivian from attending college but was unsuccessful. After
receiving her Bachelor's degree in education at West Chester University in West
Chester, Pennsylvania, she taught school in New Jersey and Philadelphia. In
Philadelphia, she met her husband of 57 years, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Glenn,
Sr.
Vivian
and Lawrence moved to Detroit to begin their life journey together. She was employed
as an elementary teacher in the Detroit Public School’s system. Vivian went on
to receive her Master's of Education at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Vivian taught for almost 40 years at Moore, Angel and Woodard schools.
Vivian
was a very vibrant and active lady in her church. She was a charter member of
Broadstreet Presbyterian Church and she served in various areas of the church,
in addition to supporting her husband as the Pastor's wife. She enjoyed being
involved with people in the community and various service organizations. She
was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Sorority of Phi
Delta Kappa Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Kenjockety (Presbyterian Minister
Wives), and an officer of the Abatenjwa League (Interdenominational Ministers’
Wives and Widows). Vivian served on boards of the Presbytery and Presbyterian
Villages of Michigan. Vivian was a founding member of the Michigan Black
Presbyterian Caucus. She was a recipient of many awards including Church Woman
of the Year by the Michigan Chronicle in 1982 and received the Top Lady of the
Year for the City of Detroit in 2009. Vivian stayed active and supported each
of her organizations as long as her body would allow. Vivian was an active
member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association. She was also a lifetime member
of the NAACP.
Words
that would describe Vivian's essence would be sweet, loving, caring,
self-giving, pleasant and a positive force. She enjoyed making other people
comfortable and happy. Vivian enjoyed taking pictures of family and friends.
Her life expressed the spiritual law of treating others as you would like
others to treat you. Vivian’s passion was to give to others. She gave until she
could give no more.
She leaves behind her beloved
husband Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Glenn Sr., daughter, Lori Tanya Glenn Harris
(Emanuel), and son, Lawrence T. Glenn Jr. (Janet); and her sister, Marilyn
Mills of Voorhees, New Jersey; grandchildren, Lauren T. Glenn, Lawrence T.
Glenn III , Lea T. Glenn, Emanuel
D. Glenn Harris, Imani L. Glenn Harris, Nia A. Glenn Harris, Jerimiah L. Glenn
Harris and Queshia Harris. Vivian also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins,
extended church family of Broadstreet Presbyterian Church and a host of friends
who truly loved her.
Funeral services will Monday January 26, 2015 @ 11:00am ( viewing 10:00am)Shiloh Presbyterian Church, hwy 213 in Winnsboro SC with burial in the church cemetery.Family visitation Sunday January 25, 2015 from 5pm to 7pm.
Funeral services will Monday January 26, 2015 @ 11:00am ( viewing 10:00am)Shiloh Presbyterian Church, hwy 213 in Winnsboro SC with burial in the church cemetery.Family visitation Sunday January 25, 2015 from 5pm to 7pm.
