Vivian Marie Howell
Vivian Marie Howell, age 93, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 at Brookstone Terrace Assisted Living in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Born in Norphlet, Arkansas, in 1929, she was the only daughter of Hugh Herbert and Ruby (Johnson) Parkerson. Vivian was a lifelong learner and prodigious reader, earning both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Adult Education in her sixties. Following a successful career in real estate and education, she traveled the world with husband Bill and they spent many hours in volunteer leadership with the Lions Club. She was an active Stephen’s Minister in Knoxville and Simpsonville. Vivian was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved gardening, babies, bridge and Rummikub, and the color red. Her written memoirs were gifted to family in December 2020.
Vivian loved two men deeply and outlived them both: her husband of 25 years, Warren A. Mattix, and husband of 37 years William R. Howell. She was also preceded in death by her beloved brother Ray (Janet) Parkerson and sons Roger (Jackie) Mattix, Scott Mattix, and David Mattix.
Vivian is survived by her son Greg Mattix of Columbus, MS, and daughter Tammy Hoyler of Simpsonville, SC. She was Nana to granddaughters Amanda (Mark) Evans, Suzanne (Victor) Rocha, and Melissa (Jordan) Hagan; and grandson Kevin Mattix. She was GrandNana to 9 great-grandchildren: Graeme, Cole, and Ciara; Alex, Benny, Vic, and Jack; Liam and Sawyer.
A private family “Celebration of Life” will be held in lieu of services. Her ashes will be interred in the Mattix plot at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo, Illinois. The family welcomes your memories and condolences in the online guest book below.
Tammy,
So very sorry to hear. Hopefully she is in a better place now. May her memory be a blessing.
Jack and Diane
My Birthday partner. I will think of her often and fondly ❤️❤️Thank you so much for letting us be a part of her story.
It is hard to imagine a world without Miss V.
Although I only knew her a few years before we lost her, she made quite an impression on me! I enjoyed our visits together and hearing her stories of her family and her travels with Bill. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to share so many fun moments with her.
I know this is a difficult loss for her loving family and hope that these notes of condolence bring some peace and healing.
It is hard to imagine a world without Miss V.
Although I only knew her a few years before we lost her, she made quite an impression on me! I enjoyed our visits together and hearing her stories of her family and her travels with Bill. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to share so many fun moments with her.
I know this is a difficult loss for her loving family and hope that these notes of condolence bring some peace and healing.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to know Vivian. She was a unique person, with many interests that I enjoyed sharing with her. She always made me smile and I have so many wonderful memories of visits and lunches with her, sharing a cup of afternoon tea, as well as our time together in our Stephens Ministry group.
Rest in Peace, Vivian. You are loved.
Hello, Mattix family.
Beth Howell here.
Mother to Emma Lu ( married to Kyle Mallon ) and Mara Elise ( with partner John Babich ).
Sister to Amy C. Frett.
Family of Wm. (Bill) R. Howell.
I am so lucky I had the opportunity to get to know Vivian.
She was such a smart, caring and strong lady.Vivian always made me smile, and I will always remember her. Wishing the family comfort, and sending you love and prayers. Ann Haro