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BORN
1924
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Atlanta, Georgia
Cordy Vivian Obituary
He was 95.
One of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most valuable lieutenants, the slim and trim Vivian was known for his intellect and philosophical reasoning, as well as his wit and humor.
Read more about the Rev. C.T. Vivian on ajc.com
A private service will be held for family only due to COVID-19 at Providence Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday July 23, 2020. The service will be live-streamed as well as broadcast on WSB TV. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home.
UPDATE: The Rev. C.T. Vivian will lie in state Wednesday, July 22 at the Georgia State Capitol from Noon to 3 p.m. Afterward, his casket wiill be carried by a horse-drawn wagon to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park on a route along Auburn Avenue. Read more
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to be made to The C.T. and Octavia Vivian Museum & Archives, Inc., www.ctovma.org
According board member George Andrews, ""As we have lost another legend of the Civil Rights Movement, we would like to honor Rev. Vivian and are inviting those whose lives he has touched or who may have heard him preach to go to the website to make a donation to help preserve and keep these books and his legacy alive."" More information can be found about Rev. Vivian, his nonprofit C.T. and Octavia Vivian Museum and Archives, and how to donate by visiting www.ctovma.org.
Memories and Condolences
for Cordy Vivian
175 Entries
Anita Burnett
August 7, 2021
I remember him and his wife we live around the corner in Chicago Marynook his daughter baby sat me
Joanne Clapp Fullagar
July 30, 2020
May his memory be for a blessing.
Terri Weekes
July 29, 2020
God welcomed home another one of His beloved. Though he will surely be missed this side of heaven, CT served faithfully for almost 96 years. I will continue to lift up my dear friend Denise and the rest of the family in the days, weeks and months to come. May the memories of all the good times and his legacy bring you comfort during your grief.
Terri Weekes
SW Atlanta Neighbor and
Beecher Hills ES Parent Liaison
How you can show support
Stephanie Ramage
July 24, 2020
I will never forget the great kindness Rev. Vivian showed me when I first met him when I was a young news reporter, heavily pregnant in the broiling summer of 1996. I complained that it was difficult to get in touch with other Civil Rights icons who could give a first-hand account of the movement. He took the trouble to reach out to them to get in touch with me. That sort of thoughtfulness appears to have defined him. Today, I am so grateful for the shining example of nonviolence he set for the world. Intelligent creativity inspired by compassion is the framework on which we build peace and justice-- it was also his hallmark. The world is a better place for his life. May his family be comforted by his memory.
ronald black
July 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fairolyn Livingston
July 23, 2020
In the 1980s I had the honor on attending a conference led by Rev Vivian. It was very eye opening and has guided me in my fight for civil rights.
Wendell Eugene Seals
July 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rhonda M Cobb
July 23, 2020
Thank you Sir for your service to mankind. We are Thankful. To God Be the Glory. Rest Well Rev C T Martin.
Ashmel & Marie (The Ashmel's)
July 23, 2020
Dr. Vivian Rest Well, you fought a good fight - words cannot describe the love you exhibited towards us for over 22 years as neighbors, but one day soon we hope to meet again, what a glorious day that will be. Our heartfelt condolences especially to Denise & Carlton, and the rest of the family and friends.
The Ashmel's
Salina Perry
July 23, 2020
A sweet and caring human being who was fierce in his drive to serve and attain equality for his people. Thank you for everything! Rest well, dear sir. My heartfelt condolences to Rev. Vivian's family and friends.
Able Mable Thomas
July 22, 2020
HERO. A Gentle Giant. Family Man. Boy did he love his wife and children. An Intellectual, Scholar and a Fighter for JUSTICE for All. His Legacy must live on.
Yvonne Ervin Carr
July 22, 2020
Though I never met Reverend C.T. Vivian in person, his passion for equality and civil rights will forever be part of my life. My sympathy to the family and respect for his remarkable achievements and impact on history.
Yvonne Ervin Carr, Seattle, WA
Westley Hosey Jr
July 22, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Gibbs
July 22, 2020
I am a volunteer for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - I always looked forward to hearing Dr. Vivian when he spoke to the teams during their visit to Atlanta in the old Ebenezer Baptist Church. He carried such a strong message with a gentle soul. May he rest peace - he has touched many, many lives here on earth.
Jerry Hayes
July 22, 2020
Thank you for standing up for a purpose that paved the way for many of us. We stand on your shoulders.
B.J. Jones
July 22, 2020
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sherrie Gary(Peaches)
July 21, 2020
My prayers are with my family as they lay a historic figure and monarchy to rest. A man so highly spoken of. He was a lot to many but to many he was granddaddy. Earth lost a warrior heaven gained an angel. Rest well C.T.Vivian
Cheryll Gordon
July 21, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you for loaning your Father to a worthy cause. May he Rest In Peace!
Mathilda (Anne) Vaughn
July 21, 2020
REMEMBERING AN ICON: We lost a POWERFUL FIGURE, CIVIL RIGHTS ICON and a SOLDIER in the ARMY of the LORD. You were such a quiet, soft spoken and humble person with a MIGHTY voice who fought against racism and for the democracy of this Nation. I thank God for you and the road you paved for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, the community and the entire nation. I saw an AMAZING HUMBLE PEACE in you that will never be ERASED. You have left a REMARKABLE LEGACY and mark in our hearts that willl last a lifetime. RIP. REV. DR. C.T. VIVIAN.
Michael Steinback
July 21, 2020
Marjorie Brooks Smith
July 21, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Vivian family.
From Macomb, IL
Bernadette M. Kouame
July 21, 2020
Condolence and support to the entire family. You are our hero, freedom fighter. We would miss you. RIP
Ariel Shaw MBA
July 21, 2020
The immeasured contribution that Rev Dr C Vivian provided to the entire nation will be sorely missed. However we will continue to honor his legacy with our work.
Ariel Shaw, MBA
President, Southern Crescent Women In Business Inc
Pearl Cleage
July 21, 2020
It was an honor to know C. T. Vivian. I celebrate his life and his laughter. A great human being in every way. Love to the family and his worldwide circle of friends. ❤
Patrick Spencer
July 21, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times because his daughter Kira was a classmate at Clark College. He always had a big smile seemed to be very patient and supportive of my organization Groove Phi Groove of which Kira became a very committed member of of Groove Sweetheart Court. He has been a inspiration to me and all my Brothers of the Organization.
Barbara and Joseph Roberts Jr.
July 21, 2020
Ake your well earned heavenly rest. Thank u for making America a better place and opening doors for African Americans...We salute YOU
Sandra Montgomery
July 21, 2020
I had the pleasure to meet him once. I stand on his shoulders today. May he rest in peace. Sandra Montgomery, Omaha, Nebraska
Evangelist Joan Chambers
July 21, 2020
Prayers and Condolences to the family of Dr. C.T. Vivian. May God grant you comfort and peace. You are Blessed Beyond Measure to have such a legacy. Meeting Dr. Vivian in 2018 in Atlanta was like meeting Royalty. His charismatic smile was like a ray of sunshine inviting you to come outside and feel the warmth. He was truly an Icon. Well Done, thy Good and Faithful Servant, Well Done.
Angela Butler
July 21, 2020
Kira, my condolences to you and your family. I am sure your father will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched. I look forward to seeing your father in the resurrection. I
Larri Rose
July 20, 2020
CT Vivian is my maternal grandfather and my hero. ❤ He is one person in my life who always spoke higher of me than I deserved and always made me sure of his love for me. My granddaddy is one person in my life who made me sure of the love of God and Jesus Christ; and not because he necessarily always talked about salvation or anything, but because he displayed love in his actions and his words. I knew from a very early age that he was a special human being. He made us all better, and I am just blessed to have known him, and to say Im his granddaughter. Thank you Grandaddy CT. We will carry the torch Rest King.
Carol Lloyd
July 20, 2020
Sending condolences and love to the entire family in the loss of your dearly departed. Rest in Power Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian. Your contributions to humanity will remain throughout eternity. Ase!❣
Debra Fleming Webster
July 20, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Vivian family. I remember him as a kind gentle loving soul. I grew up with Charisse, Mark and Albert in Chicago. I am grateful to the contribution he made to our country. May he rest in peace.
Pat Lovejoy-Jones
July 20, 2020
i was blessed to have met Rev. Vivian several years ago and must say, he never met strangers. Such a kind and gentle giant. A life well lived. My condolences and prayers extended to the family during this moment in time. Peace and blessings to all.
Renee Dennis
July 20, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Andrew Sheldon
July 20, 2020
Always and in all ways an uplifting beacon of good will and openness to us all. Whenever I saw him or even photo of him, I felt renewed hope and diminished cynicism.
James Frederick Wallace
July 20, 2020
Well Done Sir! Thank You Very Much For Your Service! B' Shalom Always!
Kwame Haile Selassie-A Servant Of The Light(Holy)
D. D. Dean
July 19, 2020
Rev. Dr. Vivian...your unrelenting, unselfish and courageous service to the civil rights and social justice cause will be indelibly etched in our collective memory and history. May you rest in well deserved eternal peace and power.
Vance Clewis
July 19, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Iris B Mack
July 19, 2020
Rev. C. T. Vivian thank you for being one of Gods awesome lights of righteousness, truth and justice. Showing us what courage looks like when faced with adversities.
My condolences to the family may God give you love, peace, joy and happiness when you reflect back over your special share times with him .
Iris B. Mack
Barbara Lyles
July 18, 2020
Ever since I saw the clip of Rev. Vivian and his encounter with Jim Clark, I have been an admirer. He had the ability to explain things so clearly. I admired his courage and the tireless efforts he displayed fighting so valiantly for our right. Well done and thank you sir. Rest in power.
DiAnne C Montgomery
July 18, 2020
God bless this family through this great loss..your loved one helped me maintain a freedom that I probably needed to work more to deserve..but has been appreciated for my 69 years here..thank God for our "trenches Advocates "..they have paved harsh waves and taken great licks and blows for us..Rest in PEACE REV. DR. CORDY TINDELL C.T. VIVIAN..
DiAnne C. MONTGOMERY
CHESAPEAKE, VA
Janet Callum
July 18, 2020
With respect and gratitude for your lifetime of work for justice.
Phillip M. Johnson
July 18, 2020
Tireless Warrior for Justice, Truth, and Righteousness. Thank you for your example of courage in the face of adversity.
James Harvin
July 18, 2020
hank you.
Lillie Ruth Sutton
July 18, 2020
Rest In Peace Good And Faithful Servant....
Sharon Baines
July 18, 2020
Our hearts are at half-staff in honor of the man, Rev. C.T. Vivian, his Legacy, and all of his contributions and sacrifices for our liberties.
Thank You!
Condolences to the family. May you continue to be proud, and find joy in the memories.
Prayers for comfort, strength and peace.
Terri A B
July 18, 2020
Thank you, Rev. C T Vivian for your dedication and sacrifices for Civil Rights. Because of you and other Civil Rights leaders who where willing to fight for us. You help paved the way for me, my daughters and countless others to have rights in voting, education and employment opportunities.
Well done. Sir. You have finished the race. Rest in Peace
Evangelist Joan Chambers
July 18, 2020
A Great Man has received his wings and gone home to rest. A major void in America. Condolences to the Vivian family.
Kimberly Daniels
July 18, 2020
It was a privilege and a honor to have have meet you, attend lessons from you and to learn from you. Thank you
Angela Moore
July 18, 2020
You will be surely miss by all you have touched.
Dr. M. Iyailu Moses
July 17, 2020
A courageous spirit, gentle giant, speaker of truth to power. I am blessed to have been in his presence during his many visits to North Carolina State University to speak with students and to carve out the delicate path to racial equity and justice among all faculty, students and staff at this PWI. My condolences to his family. May his spirit live on with us to guide as we continue to engage in the struggle for human rights.
Joseph young
July 17, 2020
It was an honor attending one of your classes in the80s. Wish the young people would learn from your example and hopefully someday this world will reach the level of your dreams.
S.Bussey
July 17, 2020
RIP Dear Warrior for a race that you ran with great pride and diginty. We will never forget Revered Vivian.God Bless and Thank You.
Kenyarta Thomas
July 17, 2020
It was a pleasure meeting and working closely with Mr. and Mrs. Vivian. They were Full of knowledge and wisdom. Thank you for paving the way.
Fran
July 17, 2020
May the peace of God rest with the family as they experience the joy of being born into a family with an awesome heritage. Rev. Vivian exemplified the couarage, tenacity and commitment we aspire to and pray that futureally generations will emulate.
Frank McCloskey
July 17, 2020
Dr. C.T. Vivian provided me the opportunity to save my soul in 1995. As a result, my life changed for ever. To Al, Jo, and the entire Vivian family, you will remain in my constant thoughts and prayers. What a great man. What a great family.
E. Delores B. Stephens
July 17, 2020
As your neighbor, I admired your agility when you walked, head high, in our subdivision. As a woman of the 60s, I admired your courage and endurance. You ran the race and led us to many triumphs; we are indebted to you.
Ben DeCosta
July 17, 2020
Thanks for the courage, the winning battles and victories. Your leadership has supported several generation of Americans, making the country a better place for us all.
Daniel Burse
July 17, 2020
It was so awesome to have met Dr. Vivian and to be around him on several occasions. He was so open to sharing much of his wisdom and life experience with me. He was such a Wonderful Man!
arvan campbell
July 17, 2020
hank you for your service.
Abdullahi Bindawa
July 17, 2020
All of us here at URI Center mourn the passing of its visiting mentor, Rev.CT Vivian, and unite in honoring the exemplary life of a great American civil rights movement.
We fully appreciate the fact that Rev.CT Vivian inspiring leadership and pursuit of excellence have created a civil rights movement with an enviable reputation for human rights both here and abroad. As we reflect upon the high standards he espoused, we are reminded of the many benefits we enjoy as associates of the Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies that proudly bears his name.
We unite in offering our condolences to the Rev.CT Vivian family in their time of mourning. We assure you that the honorable legacy that Rev.CT Vivian leaves behind offers both inspiration and challenge to anyone who aspires to emulate this great man. We hope the many reminders that surround you of how he has enriched the lives of all who have had the privilege to be associated with him will soon bring you comfort and relief of sorrow.
Nnenna Adjaero Noel
July 17, 2020
I LOVED You when I met You and I'll LOVE You through the end of time.
Thank You for having Me in mind when You fought
Light and Love
Rest in Power
With Hope,
Nnenna Adjaero Noel
Van Black
July 17, 2020
Blessings to a great man. I had the pleasure of spending an entire evening with Rev. Vivian when attending one of his Race Awareness seminars. His relaxed style and message of love over race has never left me. I still think of that evening often. I am a lucky man and a much wiser man because of that one night with Rev. Vivian. Thank you and Rest In Peace.
Van Black
Jimmy Robinson
July 17, 2020
May God bless you, Rev. Vivian. Your life was spent in service to others, a shining example of a life well lived. Thank you for all you have done.
Delwin Barnes
July 17, 2020
We shall continue to use your legacy as our roadmap to reach the destination where humanity, civil rights and common decency are no longer fought for but expected and freely given.
John S. Miller III
July 17, 2020
I am proud to have met you and to have had you as a teacher.
Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee
July 17, 2020
Thank you for your service!!
Janet Scott
July 17, 2020
Thank you for your advocacy, courage and determination. Rest in power.
Rev. Dr. Walter L. Glover Jr.
July 17, 2020
A great humanitarian an Intellectual A man of wisdom A prolific writer and orator . It was my honor and privilege to occupy the platform seated next to him At Mercer University in Macon Ga. a couple or three years ago and to introduce him as The Keynote Speaker What a joy and a treasurable time it was to sit and break bread with this Prince of a man and Preacher of the Gospel RIP King
Ken Hardy
July 17, 2020
I never met Mr. Vivian but from what I have read about him, he was a upstanding example of a man and a credit to the African American community my he rest in peace.
Hattie Jackson
July 17, 2020
A true warrior in the civil tights movement. RIP.
Harold Blake, Jr.
July 17, 2020
My appreciation to Reverend Vivian for his example, and sincere condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a student in the Atlanta University Center in the 1980s. He was a wise giant of a man, unafraid to live out the calling God placed upon his life. I am the better for it, and will continue to pay his impact forward, as our Lord allows. Thanks to Kira and the Vivian family, for their tireless example.
Sheron S. Douglas
July 17, 2020
Your Spirit and presence, helped to shaped and changed the world to one of Love, Peace and nonviolence. Long live your Legacy of promoting harmony and Justice.
Reverend Kenneth James Flowers
July 17, 2020
My heart is saddened by the passing of a Civil Rights Icon and Legend. During my years at Morehouse College (1979-1983) I got to know him as I was a Volunteer at The King Center and an Adopted Son of Coretta Scott King. His Son, Al Vivian and I were classmates and Morehouse Brothers. Reverend Vivian inspired me and motivated me to ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING AND TO ALWAYS STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!!! He was kind, compassionate, loving, respected and revered. I looked up to him as a Father Figure and Mentor. HE WILL INDEED BE MISSED!!! GOOD NIGHT DR. VIVIAN, I'LL SEE YOU IN THE MORNING!!! The Reverend Kenneth James Flowers, Pastor of Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan
Jackie J. Rollinson-Gordon
July 17, 2020
Thank God for Rev. Vivian, God rest his soul, I was blessed to be a student in the Upward Bound Program (College Prep) at Paine College, because of his vision, sacrifices and hard work for children of color, we were able to attend college. I thank God for this great Legend...Jackie J. Rollinson-Gordon
Ms. Carol Lewis
July 17, 2020
Thank you for your beautiful legacy. The world is a better place because of you. Your brilliance, your work, your commitment, and your love. I honor you. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to your family. God bless you!!
Cheryl Johnson Knight
July 17, 2020
Thanking God for sharing you with us for 95 years. Your love of humanity and actions taken for equality speak volumes of a life well lived. The work youve done speaks for you...
Benjamin F. Logan, Sr.
July 17, 2020
The Rev. C.T. Vivian was a giant among men showing us how to do things the "Non-Violent " way. Rest on my brother and God's speed to you.
Janell Walker
July 17, 2020
An awesome man with so much knowledge and wisdom. May you rest in the Lord. Job well done
Tim Thilman
July 17, 2020
Rest now, faithful warrior. We will continue the battle you have so rightfully waged.
May you watch the fruits of your dedication ripen soon.
Calvin Merritt
July 17, 2020
Thank you for your sacrifice, service and commitment. God bless you and your family. The Merritt family!
Charles Huddleston
July 17, 2020
He was a true inspiration and a courageous leader for the non-violent civil rights movement that changed America forever! Always positive and upbeat, he was a joy to be around. Heaven welcomes home another angel.
Que Drummond
July 17, 2020
Thanks so much for all the humanitarian work Dr. Vivian. Time to sit back and
reminiscence with Dr. MLK & Medgar Evers!
Stephanie Files
July 17, 2020
Thank you for all of the sacrifices you made on behalf of our people, especially young people and the Upward Bound Program.
Rev William Downton
July 17, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joseph and Teresa Roseborough
July 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
woodrow w baker jr
July 17, 2020
A True American Hero. A Titan, Great Humanitarian and Leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. We thank him for his Courage and Sacrifice. Long live the legacy of Rev. C.T. Vivian. RIP.
Ben Richardson
July 17, 2020
Rev Vivian:
There are not enough words to express the gratitude and reverence we as a society owe you and the countless others, who stood against all dangers, toils, and snares to ensure civil rights for All! Thank You Sir! Rest in Peace Rev. Vivian
Dorothy Johnson
July 17, 2020
Dr. C. T. Vivian was a terrific person and I will remember him as the pastor of First Community Church, Nashville, Tn. I was his babysitter in Nashville, Tn. and Chattanooga, Tn. He was truly a renowned civil rights worker and he will be missed. Dorothy Miller Johnson
Kelbi Stevenson
July 17, 2020
Rev. C.T. Vivian. Thank you! It wasnt until today that I learned about your existence and what you did for our culture! I can only pray that God blesses me with the courage and strength that he gave you all those many years you walked this earth! May you Rest In Peace!
-Kelbi Stevenson
Anthoney Obasi
July 17, 2020
RIP to one of God's loyal & faithful servants. Grateful his life which was dedicated to the Black Freedom Struggle & full human rights for all of God's children.
Ken
July 17, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Allan Lane
July 17, 2020
One of our honored warriors has gone on to glory. May his courage, his humanity & his contributions be in our memory forever!
Stephanie Ramage
July 17, 2020
I met Rev. Vivian years ago when I was a young news reporter unfamiliar with his story. I will never forget the kindness he showed in introducing me to others who could give first-hand accounts of the Civil Rights movement. He didn't have to do that, but he did it. Today, I am grateful for his shining legacy of nonviolence and I hope people will understand the power of it and honor it. He made it clear that nonviolence isn't just refraining from acts of violence, but even rejecting the very spirit of violence. In a world that has so often glorified destruction, he reminded us that intelligent creativity is the scaffolding upon which we build peace and justice.
Dawn Luke Arnold
July 17, 2020
Rev. Vivian will be missed but his work, legacy, life of sacrifice for others and undaunted spirit will live on forever. We are thankful and blessed to have had you for as long as we did. Rest Peacefully in Heaven.
MaryAnne Silva
July 17, 2020
he Rev. is a great Hero and I hope he is having great fun with the Lord Jesus at last and forevermore. I cannot wait until we are all enjoying time with them both. Until then we sure know how to carry on thanks to them both. I will miss Rev. Vivian.
Camillia
July 17, 2020
Job well done!! Rest In Paradise
CW4(R) Percy D. Butler
July 17, 2020
Reverend C. T. Vivian was one of the approachable, humorist, and intellectual Black Leader. It was inspiring to share a moment of two with him; as Andrew Carnegie would often state, "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.". Reverend Vivian was quick at giving others credit and it is a lessoned to be learned by our current Leaders/Activists. RIP.
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