Deaconess Vivian H. Jackson was born on March 11, 1947, in Brunswick, Georgia, to the late Ernest and Obie Henley. As the youngest of eight children, Vivian grew up wrapped in the love, laughter, and protection of her siblings: Bessie H. Mormon, Edward Henley, Thomas Henley, Louise H. Johnson, Jessie Henley, Robert Henley, and Ernest M. Henley. Her family often said she had a light about her from the very beginning—a gentle spirit with a joyful heart.

Vivian married Gordon Lee Brice and became a devoted mother to three daughters and a loving stepmother to one son: the late Patricia Brice, Felicia H. Smith, Sharon Kelly, and Michael Grovner. Her children were her pride, her purpose, and her greatest joy.

At an early age, Vivian accepted Christ and joined Jordan Grove Baptist church, where her family's spiritual roots run deep. Vivian later joined and was a faithful member of the new unified Johnson Temple First Born Church of the Living God, Inc. under the leadership of pastor Candice Wilridge. Upon relocating to Jacksonville, FL. Vivian united herself with the St. Andrew MBC, under the current leadership of Pastor Tmothy A. Simmons, Sr. Music was her ministry, and she poured her heart into every note she sang. Whether lifting her voice with the angelic community mass choir, the spiritual challenger's group, or the Johnson Temple Community Choir. Vivian used her gift to encourage, comfort, and inspire. Her voice was not just heard—it was felt.

A graduate of Risley High School, Vivian began her professional journey at King and Prince Seafood Wholesale, where she worked faithfully for nearly seven years. She later joined the city commissioner's office, where she lovingly cared for the children of Ken and Donna Tollison. Her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit made her unforgettable to every child she touched.

Vivian's life took her to several states—Illinois, Virginia, and South Carolina—each move adding new experiences, friendships, and memories. No matter where she lived, she carried her southern warmth, her deep faith, and her love for family with her.

Later in life, Vivian married Martin Jackson, who preceded her in death. Their 35-year union was a beautiful example of partnership, devotion, and unwavering love. Together, they embraced the joys of grandparenthood, cherishing their twelve grandchildren and the growing generations that followed.

Vivian leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Felicia H. Smith (James Smith) and Sheron Kelly; her grandchildren: Carlos Brice; Darnell West (Nadja West); Christina Brantley; Kendall henley; AndrBus Brice; Darrell Jackson; Anthony Grant Jr. (Sinetta Grant); Marcus Grant (Michelle Grant); Adam Brice (Rikki Brice); Jamal Zepeda; Travis Brice; and anna Marie Lawson (Giovanni Lawson); her bonus grandchildren Earl Allen Jr. and Delvron Baker; twenty great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law—joe Lewis Jackson, Steve Jackson, Wendy Jackson, Carrie Baker, Susie Cohen, and Sarah Henley—and her beloved godchildren: Tangela Robinson (Porter Robinson Jr.; children Anthony Scott Jr., Jordan Robinson, and Jaden Robinson), Alicia l. Jones, Antoneya Pierce, and Tasheka Thomas.

Vivian's life was a tapestry woven with faith, music, family, and love. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. Her laughter, her songs, and her gentle presence will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

Her legacy lives on—in her children, her grandchildren, her church family, and in every life she touched with her kindness.

Mrs. Jackson may be viewed on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, 2600 West 45th Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32209, from 4:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m.   Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, and the interment will be Monday, January 12, 2026, in Greenwood Cemetery, Brunswick, Georgia.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204