Vivian Jean Hartley
Vivian Jean Hartley, age 94, of Marshfield, died on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO.
Born July 25, 1926 in Advance, MO, Vivian was the daughter of James Harvey Jenkins and Octavia (Sims) Jenkins. Throughout her life, she actively sought new ways to strengthen the family structure, improve both household management and early childhood education for everyone.
In 1947, Vivian graduated from the University of Missouri -- Columbia with a Bachelors in Science in Home Economics. She then taught in Fredericktown, Elkland, and Conway schools. Following, she would teach sewing in Marshfield High School's night school program, and various sewing shops in Springfield. While Home Economics was her calling since high school, her passion was sewing. She created most of her own clothes from high school until late in life.
In addition, she maintained a strong love for music throughout her life, having played the piano at her own high school commencement. She later studied piano at the university. One of her sons seeing the markings on some of her music exclaimed, "Mother, this music isn't easy. You played this? This is hard." To which she responded, "I wouldn't say I played them well..."
Vivian met Jesse Laban (JL) Hartley while at the University in Columbia. They married in Fredericktown MO, on December 21, 1947. Following JL's service in the Navy, they returned to Columbia as JL had entered the newly created School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation in 1950, they established his first veterinary practice in Mountain Grove, MO. In 1953, they moved the practice to Marshfield, MO. Vivian joined various civic groups including Art Club, United Methodist Women, PTA (serving as President), and PEO. As her mother before her, PEO held a special place in her heart in its goal of promoting the education of women.
Later in life, Vivian established scholarship funds at the University of Missouri -- Columbia in honor of her parents for students from Stoddard County, MO, and for students in the School of Human Environmental Sciences.
Vivian and JL had two sons: Jesse Wilson and James Julien. They became central to her life maintaining connection as a family even as both moved to different parts of the country. She continued to keep everyone involved through frequent cards, letters, phone calls, and visits.
Travel was important to her, but the one place she returned to many times was Washington DC. Vivian had always been an avid reader of the lives of the first families. She wanted to answer to herself what makes us successful, productive, and giving back to society.
Vivian’s faith was quiet, yet deep. She had been a member of the United Methodist Church since childhood, and supporting the programs of the church was very important to her. She lived her faith without fanfare. "To whom much is given, much is expected." was central to how she approached each and every day of her life.
Vivian is survived by both sons, Jess and wife Pam of Lake Elmo, MN, and Jim of Marshfield. Because of her longevity, she outlived her parents, all of her siblings, and many of their children. Included in the extended family are the Jackson and Fyan families of Marshfield. Vivian was surrounded by the love and support of family, extended family, friends, and her larger church community.
A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, April 22, 6:00 - 8:00pm at the Fraker Funeral Home chapel. Graveside services will be held at the Marshfield Cemetery Thursday, April 29 at 10:00am. The public is welcomed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marshfield United Methodist Church 220 S. Elm Road, Marshfield.