Vivian Alleen Harrell Cates Coleman

Vivian Alleen Cates Coleman, 97, of Hendersonville passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Ridgetop Haven Health Care Center. She was born on Sunday, February 25, 1917 in Columbus, Georgia -- though she always said she was born across the river in Phoenix City, Alabama, where her parents lived. Vivian was the second of six children born to L.O. "Pop" and Hazel Harrell.

Vivian was raised in and around Phoenix City, Alabama, later moving to the Hollywood/Memphis area in Tennessee. It was there she met and married Paul "DeDe" Cates. Due to her age, Vivian 16 and DeDe 18, they had to elope to Arkansas. The couple had three children and one grandchild before DeDe passed away in 1954. Vivian remarried in 1962 to Grady Coleman, who passed away in 1976.

Throughout her life, Vivian worked in a variety of careers. She held jobs ranging from ice cream parlor to nurses’ aide, from housewife to "mom", and finally to food services director at Memphis Junior Academy and Greater Nashville Junior Academy. Vivian was a member of the Bordeaux SDA Church in Nashville, Tennessee. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, crewel embroidery, ceramics, cake decorating and flower arranging -- especially roses and pansies which were her favorites. Most of all Vivian will be lovingly remembered as "Mama", "Grandma", "Grandma Nanny", and "Nana".

Vivian is survived by her children: Vivian Jean Bell, Paul (Phyllis) Cates Jr., and Janice Towne. Grandchildren: David (Sonja) Bell, Troy (Stephanie) Bell, Stephen (Menie') Bell, Angie (David) Kingsbury, Karen Cates, Sharon Cates, Paul “Skip” Cates, III, Mark Towne, Terri Towne, Tammy (Darwin) Elmer, Steve (Joya) Towne, Jr., Brian "Buck" Towne. Great grandchildren: Carmen (Joshua) Day, Casey (Earl) Crausaz, Cheryl (Daran) McQuaig, Elizabeth Mendez, Marlana Bell, Troy Bell, III, Bryce Bell, Malorie Warden, Wil Hoover, III, Joshua Burton, Lisa Burton, Scott Towne, Justin Towne, Daric Elmer, Josie Elmer, Danielle Elmer, Jacob Towne, Brennan Towne, Ashton Towne, Abby Towne. Great-great-grandchildren: Elric Crausaz, Andris Crausaz, Dalton McQuaig, Drake McQuaig, Diego Mendez, Adrianna Mendez, Courtney Warden, Christopher Warden, Jr., Knox Towne, and a great-great-grandson, Levi Elmer, due in October 2014.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents: L.O. "Pop" and Hazel Harrell. Five siblings: Terry Harrell, O.D. Harrell, Annie "Dixie" Wade, L.O. "Pete" Harrell, Jr. Hazel Carter. Two husbands: Paul "DeDe" Cates, Grady Coleman. Grandson: Mike Cates.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, September 1, 2014 at 2:00 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. with Pastor Ed Sharpe officiating. Burial will be Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 1:00 in Memorial Park, Memphis, TN.

Family and friends will gather to remember Vivian at a visitation Monday, September 1, 2014 from 12:00 until the service at 2:00 at Forest Lawn 1150 S. Dickerson Rd. Goodlettsville, TN 37072