Vivian Grooms Searcy

Vivian Grooms Searcy passed away on February 18 surrounded by loving family. Vivan was born on July 30, 1928 in Lee County, SC to parents William Frank Grooms and Eunie Fields Grooms. She was the youngest of ten children, grew up working on the family farm and prided herself in being able to keep up with the boys.

She was married for 25 years to the late Reverend John C. Searcy and lived in various cities in North and South Carolina. She attended business school in Columbia, SC before starting her first job at Jordan Chevrolet in Darlington, SC. She later held various accounting roles throughout her career.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and held many special titles: Vi, Aunt Pete, Mom and Gigi to name a few. She was a woman of many talents: she loved building and fixing things and was never afraid to tackle a project no matter how big or small. She never left home without her tool kit and she loved getting a new tool or gadget as a gift. 

She was an excellent cook and never stopped loving to feed friends and family even after her sight became extremely limited. She loved anything outdoors, especially working in the yard.  She adored her dogs and they loved her. 

She was a dedicated member of Old Fort United Methodist Church and served faithfully in the church for many years. She was authentic to the core and practiced what she preached. She will be remembered as courageous, fiercely independent, kind, humble, deeply caring, putting others first, having a quick wit and sharp mind. She opened her heart freely beyond her family and became mom and Gigi to many.

She is survived by her daughters Joan Searcy Nance, Jane Searcy and Alice Searcy Melcher (Mark); grandchildren J. Clay Nance, John S. Melcher and Sarah C. Melcher; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Lorena Burnette and Kathy Marler. She was preceded in death by her parents; nine brothers and sisters Gladys, Frank, Ervin, Edna, Cecil, Roy, Martha, Joe and Anna Ruth; her husband and her granddaughter Shawn E. Nance.

Funeral services will be held at Old Fort United Methodist Church, 273 Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC on Thursday, February 22 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. All are welcome to join the family for a meal in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Donations in Vivian’s honor may be made to Old Fort United Methodist Church or to the American Heart Association.