Vivian Barnes

     Our sweet Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Vivian (Harris) Barnes finally found her way home.  She passed away from Covid 19 at Central Montana Nursing and Rehab Center in Lewistown, MT on October 22, 2021.  She lived a very long life of 103+ years. Vivian was born in New York City on December 30, 1917 to Ben Harris and Gwendoline (Chandler) Harris.  Her parents had immigrated from Barbados just a year prior.  She survived the Spanish Flu but her mother did not.  Vivian grew up poor in the Bronx, but rich in family.  She attended school through 2^nd grade before quitting.  She spent her childhood helping her step mom and 3 brothers.  At age 15 she started working fulltime sewing brassieres in New York City's garment district.   By age 24 she met and soon married Philip Barnes who was on shore leave from the Navy during WW II in 1944.  With marriage she escaped NY for West Hyattsville, MD a suburb of Washington DC.  There she raised two children, Jeanette and Philip.

Vivian spent most of her years as a mother and homemaker and truly loved creating a home for her family.  Summers were spent at the shore at Chesapeake Ranch Club or Ocean City, MD. After Philip's retirement they moved to the retirement community of Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD.  Vivian enjoyed playing card games, dominoes, bingo, and visiting with family and friends.  She and Philip moved to Lewistown due to declining health in 2005 to be closer to family.

     Vivian is survived by her daughter Jeanette (Brian) Priest of Lewistown, MT; Son, Philip III (Doris) of Littleton, CO; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is proceeded in death by her husband, Philip, whom she was married to for 70 years, her parents, and 3 brothers, Ben, Otto, and Teddy Harris.

     We would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation for the staff at Central Montana Nursing and Rehab Center, who care for our mom over that last 4 years.  Vivian will be laid to rest together with her husband at the Veterans Cemetery in Denver, CO at a later date.

     Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home.  Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.