Vivian Elnora Gordon Jones

Vivian Elnora Gordon Jones, age 99, of Temple died at her home on Friday, January 27, 2012. All of those who were touched by Vivian are invited to attend a Memorial Service and Celebration of Her Life at 12 PM (noon) on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at her home. A potluck lunch, please bring your favorite Vivian dish, will be enjoyed by all. In Vivian's honor, please wear her favorite colors of purple or pink. Vivian was born on October 28, 1912 in Austin, Texas to William Greenville Gordon and Virginia Ezelle Gordon. She lived and worked there for more than 35 years. As one of the principal buyers and department heads for Scarborough's, Vivian traveled frequently and enjoyed introducing the latest styles to Austin women. In 1949 after marrying Sam Jones, Vivian moved to Temple where she raised her sons, enjoyed a wide variety of gardening pursuits and was active in the Memorial Baptist and the First Baptist Churches of Temple. After Sam's death in 1966 Vivian returned to work at the Salado Galleries, where she always felt fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful art and antiques. Her life was enriched by her faith, her charitable works and her many friends from all walks of life. She was everyone's best friend, from her wartime coworkers at Scarborough's to her many Sunday School Friendship classmates and to the other senior swimmers at Temple Junior College and later at Sammons Pool, where she was a dedicated water walker. Perhaps Vivian's most important legacy is her boundless enthusiasm and her creative celebrations of everyday life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Thomas Burt (Sam) Jones. Vivian is survived by her two sons, Burt Gordon Jones and wife, Maurine and Brent Thomas Jones and wife, Laura. Her memory is also honored by her grandchildren: Sammie, Robert and Julie Rochelle. Please do not send flowers or gifts. The family requests that donations be made in Vivian's name to the charity of your choice.