Vivian Bevel Osborne's Obituary
Vivian Bevel Osborne died on March 14, 2025, in Tallahassee, FL. She was born and grew up on a farm in Grant, AL. The first woman in her family to go to college, she met Ken Osborne at Auburn University in January 1962 on a blind date. They were married 7 months later – having sold one of her 4H cows for $400 to pay for the wedding.
Ken’s job required many relocations across the US, and Vivian always adapted and kept a beautiful home wherever they lived. In 1971 they moved to Marietta, GA which was home for many years and where they made great friendships, ultimately retiring to Tallahassee, FL. Along the way, they added 4 children, and six grandchildren who knew her as Mimi. She worked as a para-professional at Sope Creek Elementary once her children were in school but considered being a mother and grandmother her greatest accomplishment. She taught her children about Jesus and committed to taking them to church at home and abroad.
Vivian was an innovative cook, an outstanding (and very competitive) bridge player, entrepreneurial, loved to laugh, and had an adventurous spirit. She paved the way for them to own a beach house on Alligator Point, FL, where the family vacationed for decades and where they found peace, joy, and great memories. They also freely shared this home with many over the years. Work and leisure travel took Viv and Ken to 20 countries, far from their humble upbringings, and they enjoyed exploring the world together.
Vivian was a long-time member of the Meridian Woods Church of Christ. The family would like to express gratitude for their support to our parents through many health challenges, especially Ike and Stephanie Samples. In a poem she wrote, found after her death, one stanza reads, "I'm not afraid to die, I know just where I'll go, Heaven's on my way, For God has told me so."
Vivian is survived by her husband Ken; son Doug (Darla), daughter Avivi Behel (Mark), daughter Kiev Osborne, son James (Jonna) and 6 grandchildren: Kensley (Matthew), Hollyn (Adam), Dillon (Anna), Davis, Sydney, and Jack.
The family will celebrate Vivian’s life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the benevolence fund of the Meridian Woods Church of Christ. https://www.meridianwoods.org/
Under the Give Tab, choose General Fund and in the Notes mention "For the Benevolence Fund in Memory of Vivian Osborne"
Cards of condolence to Ken (which he would love) can be sent to PO Box 852, Panacea, FL 32346
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