Vivian Talley, 102, of Beaumont, Texas, died peacefully in her sleep on July 25, 2014.
She was born July 7, 1912, in Dallas, Texas, to Charles Lafayette and Nora Bond Cantrell of Dallas, Texas. Vivian was a graduate of North Dallas High School and also furthered her music and piano studies at SMU.
On February 11, 1934, Vivian married M. Carl Talley in Dallas, Texas, where they started their beautiful and joyous forty-one years together. Vivian was a well-known piano and organ instructor. She was a teacher in public schools as well as serving five different church denominations for over seventy years.
She was active in numerous professional and civic organizations, some of which included: National Guild of Piano Teachers; served as Chairman of Auditions in Omaha, Texas, and Grand Lake, Colorado, where she established a Guild Center; certified by and lifetime member of the Music Teachers National Association; member of the P.E.O.; member of the Van Katwijk Club at SMU; inducted into the “Who’s Who” of worldwide music as well as the Piano Guild, U.S.A. “Hall of Fame”, and was a lifetime member honoree of the 997 chapter of Eastern Star.
Besides Vivian’s love for music, she enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bridge, and cooking for her family and friends.
A devoted Christian, Vivian was a member of the Joy Sunday School class of Calder Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; and sisters, Cornelia, Alma, Carrie, and Georgia. Vivian is survived by her son, Larry Talley and daughter-in-law, Wayvalyn, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Larry Talley Jr. and wife, Ellen, of Dallas; Kristopher Talley and wife, Cindy, of McKinney; Michael Talley of Beaumont; David Talley of Denver, Colorado; and Siggie Gunnlaugsson and wife, Haddy, of Reykjavik, Iceland; great-grandchildren, Tripp, Logan, Ashten, Daisy, Kristie, Haley, Hayden Jackson, as well as other nieces and nephews.
On July 24, 2014, Vivian performed her last concert by playing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
A gathering of Mrs. Talley’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m. with her funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Concord Cemetery, 8843 FM 144, Omaha, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Calder Baptist Church Organ Fund, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
