Vivian D. Simmons was born on April 23, 1941, in Tampa to Johnny B. Clark. and Edith Mae Staten. Vivian was the eldest of five sisters: Gloria Pyles, Veronica DeRamus, Linda Bass, Freddie Mae Richardson, and Julia Mae Smith. A lifelong resident of West Tampa, Vivian attended Hillsborough County Schools and graduated from Howard W. Blake High School, class of 1959. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she served across multiple ministries and remained deeply committed to her faith and community. Vivian worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 19 years before retiring in 1991. After retirement, she continued her passion for caring for others by operating an in-home daycare, nurturing and supporting Tampa families for nearly two decades. She was known for her warm spirit, strength, and unwavering dedication to family.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny B. Clark and Edith Mae Staten.

She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters: Gerald McDaniel, Pamela Green, Cheryl Gardner-Riggins, and Alisha Simmons; grandchildren Ladonna (Shaun) Greene, Toni (Quinne) Lowe, Sterling (Kierria) Green, Jenaro (Ola) Faison, Randy Blocker, Najah Feaste, and Sean Chisholm. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Stevie Chisholm III. Vivian also leaves behind 23 great-grandchildren, 7 godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.