Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Vivian Ayers Allen
1923 - 2025
Vivian Ayers Allen
1923 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2025
Vivian Ayers Allen Obituary
Ayers Allen's legacy spans poetry, cultural activism and education. She was known for her Pulitzer nominated collection "Spice of Dawns" and her visionary long form poem "Hawk." Her work in arts education, founding Adept Quarterly, community arts programs like "Workshops in Open Fields," and preservation efforts such as the Brainerd Institute Heritage exemplified her lifelong commitment to cultural stewardship.
Vivian Elizabeth Ayers was born on July 29, 1923, in Chester, South Carolina. She graduated from the Brainerd Institute in 1939 and later attended Barber Scotia College and Bennett College.
In the early 1950s, she began her literary career with "Spice of Dawns," a poetry collection that earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. In 1957, she self published "Hawk," a book length allegorical poem about freedom and space exploration written shortly before the launch of the satellite Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite in Earth's orbit. "Hawk" anticipated space exploration, linking literature with the quest for freedom and human possibility. NASA later honored Ayers Allen and displayed excerpts from "Hawk" at the Johnson Space Center.
Ayers Allen became Rice University's first Black full time faculty member in the mid-1960s. She received honorary doctorates from Wilberforce University (1995) and Bennett College (2006). Together with her daughters, Ayers Allen was presented with the Arts Honor by the Jack and Jill Foundation.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
13 Entries
Janet Denise Dilworth
October 23, 2025
My Condolences to the Allen family,
Mrs. Vivian Ayers Allen had lived an extraordinary life filled with beautiful well written poetry she left us the footprints and guidance to create something beautiful and special to all humanity.
E. Wright
October 8, 2025
My family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Ms. Allen was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and no doubt a wonderful and loving friend to all who knew her personally and professionally.
"Sorrow" is too small of a word for what you are going through. Nor is there a word deep enough or wide enough to heal your pain. Even in times when there are no words, there is hope that you find comfort in knowing that so many people are thinking of you and holding you close in their heart.
Sincerely,
Davis Family
September 30, 2025
To the Family of Vivian Ayers Allen,
I send you my heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this difficult time. Ms. Allen will be missed by all who loved her. Treasure your good memories, and may they provide some comfort for you. God is close to the brokenhearted and He will comfort you. He will give you the strength to cope. May Ms. Allen rest in God's memory. May prayers strengthen you and God´s loyal love always comfort and sustain you.
-Psalm 23
Jane Starnes
September 28, 2025
The Allen family has my deepest sympathies in the passing of their beloved mother from their daily lives. I was privileged to meet Mrs. Ayers Allen due to a chance opportunity presented to me a little over a decade ago.
A then Winthrop University employee, I was researching the historical Brainerd Institute catalogs held in the Chester (SC) Public Library. I was trying to determine if any Winthrop faculty or students were serving as Brainerd instructors, interns, etc. Winthrop is located in Rock Hill, about a 30 minute drive from Chester.
About noontime, a librarian approached me to ask if she could be of any specific help. I explained my mission and she offered to phone Chester resident Mrs. Ayers Allen to ask if Mrs. Ayers Allen might offer me her personal and extensive knowledge and insight about Brainerd. I was aware of Mrs. Ayers Allen's remarkable life history as Winthrop had awarded her a Medal of Honor in the Arts a few years previous. As for me, I was a complete stranger to Mrs. Ayers Allen and certainly didn't possess an impressive job title!
I protested as I didn't want to impose an unexpected visit, or invasion of privacy, upon Mrs. Ayers Allen. But, the librarian left the room to make the phone call anyway! And returned a few minutes later to say that Mrs. Ayers Allen would welcome my visit, if given a half-hour or so to finish her lunch.
I arrived at Mrs. Ayers Allen's home at the appointed time, still concerned that I was imposing. However, she could not have been any more gracious and genuine in her welcoming me into her home.
While we ultimately agreed that it was unlikely that Winthrop had had any direct or formal relationship with Brainerd Institute during during the late-19th into early-20th century, our conversation soon expanded to encompass a wide variety of topics.
Around mid-afternoon, we drove the short distance to the site of the historic Brainerd Institute Heritage campus for a brief, but interesting, visit.
It was about 5:00 pm when I realized I should take my leave. Mrs. Ayers Allen insisted that she lead me out of Chester, driving her car ahead of my car so as to show me the most direct, and quickest, route back to Rock Hill.
We did just that, with Mrs. Ayers Allen pulling over to the roadway verge and getting out of her car to gesture straight ahead to indicate I should continue in that direction to arrive at Rock Hill. I pulled over a short distance ahead to make certain she got safely back into her car. And, Mrs. Ayers Allen safely completed a u-turn to return home.
I had signed Mrs. Ayers Allen's.guest book when I arrived at her home, recording my home phone number. One evening a week or more later, she left me voicemail to encourage me to rise early the next morning to observe a certain astronomical event. I was so moved that she would honor our brief, recent encounter with that very personal effort.
But, more exactly, in welcoming me into her home and her day, Mrs. Ayers Allen had provided me one of the only several personally significant, even extraordinary, experiences of my Winthrop career.
J. Starnes
How you can show support
DH
September 10, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Vivian´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May the fond memories of your dear loved one always be cherished.
Trudy Jackson Lowery Johnson
September 7, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Karmen Payne
September 7, 2025
May she R.I.H. in the arms of our Heavenly Father the Lord Jesus Christ .. many prayers for the family.... Rev. Warren and Sis. Karmen Payne.. of Southern Crest Full Gospel Baptist Church in Dallas Texas...
Sherry mclaughlin
September 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Although I did not know her, I have always enjoyed her daughters acting. I live about 20 miles from your mom's hometown of Chester I see where her daughters got their talent from. May the family find peace during this difficult time. Sincerely, Sherry McLaughlin
AR
September 4, 2025
Prayers for the Ayers, Allen families. May God be with you.
MM
September 4, 2025
A life well-lived! Sincere condolences to the family.
RB
September 3, 2025
Truly an inspiration to so many. An incredibly talented poet, dedicated activist. Her career spanned decades and her works were enjoyed by so many. Her accolades were well deserved. Prayers for the Ayer´s, Allen families as you mourn the loss of your matriarch, Vivian Allen Ayers. May God be with you all.
Berthe May
September 2, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dear loved one. Vivian will be missed by family and friends. Her love for her family and poetry will be remembered as part of her legacy. Our Heavenly Father will never forget all the wonderful things Vivian did in behalf of others. May you find comfort through God´s word the Bible.
Tony Spirito
September 2, 2025
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Vivian Ayers Allen's name
How to support Vivian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Vivian Ayers Allen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more