Vivian Kay Dinkins Lawson

Faith to light the darkest sky, 

Strength to carry on,

Love to touch and heal the soul,

Hope to Grace the Dawn.

Vivian Dinkins Lawson lived by those words until she left this earth to be with her heavenly father on December 8, 2024.

Vivian was known as daughter, wife, sister, Mama, Grammie, Aunt Vivie, Ma Viv, Sista, and friend to many. 

Known first as daughter, she was the youngest of seven girls, belonging to Arebell and Henry Dinkins. She married Michael “Tater” Lawson on August 28, 1971 and stayed faithfully by his side for 53 years. Her life forever changed for the better when she became Mama to Maranda Beth in January of 1980. In 2003 she received one of her most important names, Grammie, as she was blessed by becoming grandmother to Kayly. 

As an employee of Yadkin County Schools for over 40 years, she faithfully served as a bus driver, teacher assistant, Hunter Safety coach and more. She still stayed in touch with her best friends, who were also previously coworkers, every Thursday morning for breakfast at Liberty. 

Throughout the years, Vivian wore many hats. 

She was a seamstress, hair stylist assistant, talented ball player, fisherwoman, lover of chocolate and all things pink, breast cancer survivor/advocate and caregiver to many. Her dependability and selflessness goes unmatched. 

Mama Viv ranked high on the scale of baby whisperers. Whether it was her nieces and nephews, family friends, or just anyone’s baby around, they were all loved equally by her. 

Vivian was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Alleene and nieces Terry Kimmer and Teresa Carlton. Viv leaves behind to carry on her legacy; her husband Tater Lawson, daughter and son-in-law, Maranda and Chris Connor, granddaughter, Kayly Connor, great nieces, who were like her own, Stephanie (Andrew) Hyatt and Hannah (Justin) Minor, great-great nephew, Maverick Hoover and was excitedly waiting on her newest great-great nephew’s arrival, William Hyatt in February 2025. She also leaves behind five older sisters, Mary Ruth Reece, Shelby Bruce, Maebelle Carlton, Phyliss (Benny) Kimmer, Darnell (John Ray Latham) and many special nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved abundantly.

Vivian was a true warrior. She gave all of herself to those she met and loved, while fighting her own health battles for many years. She was the pure embodiment of perseverance, strength, and faith. She kept Jesus close always, and credited him for her strength and determination for carrying her all the way to the end. She knew in all things, and continued to remind us that even now God is still good. 

A funeral service for Vivian will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 2:00PM in the Gentry Family Chapel of Yadkinville. She will lie-in-state from 8:00AM - 1:00PM prior to the service on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make any donations to “Fishin’ for a Cure" via mail at PO Box 4631, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, via email at fishin4acure@gmail.com, or via phone at 919-369-3226.

The family would like to thank all of the many friends and family throughout the community that have provided strength and comfort to them during this difficult time. 

Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Lawson family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.