Vivian Opal (Dodd) Kious, 92, previously of Egypt and Walnut Ridge, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in Palmdale, California, and went to her heavenly home on April 18, 2024.
She was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and grew up on a farm near Pordo Slough in Egypt. She graduated from Egypt High School in 1949.
Vivian married Leland John Kious of Egypt in 1949. They lived in Jonesboro, Armorel, and Walnut Ridge. She worked at Graber’s Department Store, taught school in Cooter, Missouri, and co-owned City Market in Walnut Ridge, before moving to Lancaster, California in 1956.
Vivian attended Williams Baptist College and Arkansas State College, graduating with a degree in Education. She taught school for 38 years in California. Beyond her professional awards and accomplishments was a steadfast dedication to education and abounding love for her job and the children that she taught. She served above and beyond the call of duty.
Vivian is survived by her daughters Mary Ellen (Kious) Mohan of Palmdale, California, and Deborah Lynn Kious-Hnat of Celle, Germany, two sons-in-law, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud.
She was a long-time Christian and Southern Baptist. She lived a life of faith, even until near the end encouraging others to read the Bible, pray, and share the gospel with others.
Vivian was always supportive of women and children. She stressed the value of education and urged younger people to go to college.
Her family and friends will always remember her love for her family, for nature, and her Arkansas roots. She will be sorely missed, but she is still greatly loved.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at 2 P.M. in the Bryan Chapel with Robert Hnat and Jeffory Mohan officiating. Pallbearers will be her family and friends. Interment will follow in Markham Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday evening, May 3rd, 2024, from 5 P.M. till 7 P.M., in the Bryan Chapel in Hoxie.