Vivian Coleman Thomas

Vivian Coleman Thomas, daughter of the late Vivian Coleman and the late Lucinda Conyers Coleman Maddie, was born on August 2, 1937, in Polk County, Florida. She peacefully entered eternal rest at her home on July 27, 2026, with her daughter by her side.

Vivian attended the public schools of Auburndale and Lakeland, Florida. At the age of 15, she moved to New Jersey to live with her father. There, she graduated from Essex County Vocational Technical High School (Girls Voc), where she studied Food and Nutrition.

Vivian applied her knowledge of food science, preparation, and culinary arts while working in the Food Services Department at Columbus Hospital. She took great pride in her work and was known for her dedication and excellence.

At the age of 12, Vivian joined Harmony Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. She enjoyed participating in special projects with her youth group, especially sewing and crafting.

Affectionately known as "Ann" by her family and friends, she was lovingly known as Vivian by her church family and many others.

Vivian expressed her love through cooking, preparing meals that always left her family asking for seconds. Every dish was made with care and seasoned with love. Among her signature favorites were spaghetti with homemade sauce, herbs, meatballs, and Italian sausage, along with her famous angel biscuits. She found great joy in cooking for those she loved.

Vivian was also a gifted seamstress. She and her youngest sister learned the art of sewing from their mother. The garments she created were of such exceptional quality that they could have been displayed in department stores. Every piece was carefully crafted with love and tailored especially for her children.

Committed to serving others, Vivian volunteered as an adult reading instructor, helping adults develop their reading skills and improve their lives.

After moving to Florence, South Carolina, with her husband and children, Vivian united with Trinity Baptist Church. She faithfully served by teaching Vacation Bible School and leading the North Florence Sunshine Band, a missionary group for children. She was an active member of Trinity's Young Women's Auxiliary (YWA) and later became a devoted member of the Martha Missionary Circle.

Vivian also served as the Girl Scout leader for Trinity Baptist Church Troop 252, where she positively influenced and inspired the lives of many young girls through her leadership, guidance, and example.

Vivian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Thomas; her grandson, Julian C. Thomas, Jr.; her brothers, Ralph Coleman, Charles Coleman, Baby Coleman, Cornelius Coleman, and Franklin K. Maddie; her sisters, Geneva Coleman, Mildred Coleman, Linda Maddie-Tombs, and Jacquelyn Maddie-Beales (who passed away in January 2026); her stepsister, Barbara Mason; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Thomas and Vivian Thomas; her brother-in-law, William "Bill" Thomas; her niece, Desha Cooper; and her nephew, Franklin Briggs.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: two sons, Ruben Coleman and Julian Thomas, Sr., both of Florence, South Carolina; one daughter, Janeen Thomas of the home; grandchildren, Lawerence (Cameo) Coleman of Indian Land, South Carolina, Natalie (Sharrod) Gresham of Atlanta, Georgia, Darvis McCants and Demetrius Thomas, both of Florence, South Carolina, Amanda (Tristin) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Camille Thomas of Florence, South Carolina; beloved great-grandchildren, Na'Sayaa Hinton of Atlanta, Georgia, Zyriah McCants, Malani McCants, Emauni McCants, Saidah McCants, Destini Thomas, and De'Maari Thomas, all of Florence, South Carolina; her brothers, Johnnie (Carolyn) Maddie of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Robert Maddie of Lakeland, Florida; her beloved godchildren, Mildred Grace (Shon) Buckingham of Greensboro, North Carolina, Bridgette (John) Goodman of Florence, South Carolina, and Ronald (Tennille) Scott, Jr. of Florence, South Carolina; as well as the nieces and nephews whom she and her husband helped rear and loved as their own, Deborah Cooper, Miriam (Ronald) Scott, Sr., both of Florence, South Carolina, and Terrance Thomas of Dallas, Texas.

Vivian also wished to express her heartfelt appreciation to the mothers of her grandchildren, Valerie Barris, Helen Frierson, Barbara Profit-Thomas, and Verneeda Thomas, for allowing her and her husband the privilege of playing such an integral and loving role in their grandchildren's lives.

To God be the glory for a life well lived!