Vivian Marjorie Farish

She was in the company of her loving family and in the devoted care of Hospice and the staff of Carmel Hills.

Born December 12, 1931 in Baltimore, MD, she moved to Richmond, VA as a young child. She was the daughter of the late Clarence Smith and Grace Foster Smith. As a child she enjoyed ballet and tap. She performed in numerous dance recitals. She attended Glen Allen High School in Glen Allen, VA where she met her future husband Charles “Shorty” Farish. After Shorty’s service in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, they married on September 29, 1951 and remained married until Shorty’s passing in March 2016. In the early 1970’s Vivian attended Wright Business School in Richmond, VA. Upon graduation, she worked in a clerical position for Thalhimer’s Department Store where she continued employment until the mid-1980’s.

Vivian was a fixture in the choirs at North Run Baptist Church and Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church for over 50 years. She sang soprano and was frequently a featured soloist. She volunteered yearly for Vacation Bible School at North Run Baptist Church. She also helped to teach English As A Second Language Classes at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church. Vivian was an avid bowler for over 20 years. In the early to mid-1970’s she was one of the top 10 female bowlers in Richmond. She was very gifted in the art of knitting and crocheting. She loved Jesus and her family with her whole heart. She spoke of them to everyone she encountered. She loved listening to hymns. She even helped lead and prepare daily hymn singing at Carmel Hills until she was no longer able.

In August 2015, she moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to her son, daughter in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Charles “Shorty” Farish Jr. She is survived by her son Paul Farish (Dale) of Charlotte; her grandchildren Caroline Pickens (Ryan), Anna Arinder (Garison), Emmaleigh Cates (Austin) and Ellyssa Farish; and three beloved great-grandchildren, Bowman, Decker and Hudson Pickens.

A service to celebrate Vivian’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the sanctuary of St. Giles Presbyterian Church – 2027 Emerywood Dr., Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends following the service.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Carmel Hills Assisted Living Center. Checks can be mailed to Carmel Hills – 2801 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226 or online at www.carmelhills.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Farish family.