Vivian Ellen Thomas

Vivian Ellen Thomas, 89, of Middleburg, Fl, passed away on Thursday, May 16th, 2024. She was the third child of Lafayette "Fid" Thomas Sr. and Ellen L. Conway Thomas, born on May 12th, 1935, in Fouts Mill District, Belmore, Fl. She graduated from Santa Fe College in 1967. She was the Branch Manager at Florida Council on Aging at the Weigel Center in Middleburg from 1987 to 2010. She was formerly married three times during her life, first to Claude Louis Hilliard Sr., second to Talmadge Vence Slade, and lastly to Roger S. Holloway. She was a pianist for First Baptist Church of Lawtey, 1955-1960. From 1960 to 2015 she was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and served as their pianist during that time. She gave private piano lessons throughout her life as well. She was a published poet and loved writing. She was a historian focusing on Clay County and genealogist focusing on her Florida pioneer ancestors. She often volunteered at the Middleburg Museum. She was the founder and chairperson of the History Committee of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She wrote with the collaboration of other committee members the History of Oak Grove Baptist Church in 1992. She loved flower gardening and landscaping, who especially loved bamboo. However, her favorite hobby and pastime was playing the piano. She will be remembered as a faithful Christian who always believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She will be remembered for her talent as a pianist and her involvement in local history. She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and grandmother, as well as a friend to many.  

   She was proceeded in death by her son Glenn L. Hilliard, her siblings Lafayette Thomas Jr., Blanche L. Thomas Boree Revels, and Frank J. Thomas (Ann Almond Thomas); her parents "Fid" and Ellen; her nephew Tommy Thomas and niece Faye Thomas Davis (Steve), and her cousin Joyce Thomas Saunders. She is survived by her children Claude L. Hilliard, Jr. (Genevieve), Teresa H. Jefferson, Vicky H. Chapman (John), Talmia S. Burr (Eric), many nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Jean Marie Roberts, sister-in-law Lisa Thomas, many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, and cousins.  

Her memorial service will be held Wednesday May 22nd, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Middleburg at 11 am. The family will receive friends in the church from 10:00 am until service time. She will be laid to rest afterwards at Beulah Cemetery in Belmore. Her service will be officiated by Pastor Dempsey Ward of Oak Grove Baptist Church.