Vivian F. Braswell was born Vivian Frances Schmidt on Tuesday, November 26, 1929 in Altoona, Iowa to parents Arthur Raymond Schmidt and Alta Mae (Petefish) Schmidt. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Hillcrest Home at the age of 92.

Vivian was raised in Altoona until, as a teenager, she moved to California where she met and fell in love with Earl Ray Braswell. They were married on August 27, 1950 and later had two children, James Michael Braswell and Timothy Earl Braswell. They lived in various places in California and Kansas City, Kansas, moving a few times before finally settling in Arkansas where they established the family operated Valley Drive-In in Jasper for several years.

Vivian became an active member of Mt Sherman Assembly of God Church after taking an assignment with Earl as the Rangers for the Camp Orr Boy Scout Camp. Vivian was also an active member of the communities in and around Jasper, Arkansas, often volunteering her time and various talents, and was also an active member and supporter of the Jerusalem Prayer Team. Vivian loved her family dearly and always had a welcoming home. She enjoyed nature, especially, birds and flowers, and enjoyed taking long walks in the fresh air regardless of the season. One of her favorite pastimes was the Round Robin letters she would send and receive with her siblings. These letters were the source of many smiles and much laughter throughout the years. She was always known to have cookies ready in the cookie jar for her grandchildren and made some of the best raspberry jams and strawberry preserves. Later in life, Vivian and Earl began traveling the country in their RV with groups of friends and family, making new friends wherever they went.

In 2000, Vivian and Earl retired from the Boy Scouts of America and moved to a home they built in Jasper, Arkansas where they lived until Earl passed away in 2013. Due to declining health, Vivian moved into the Hillcrest Home in Harrison, Arkansas the following year. She was loved and admired by a wonderful staff who she also loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Ray Braswell; her sisters, Agnes Jarnagin, Gladys Catron, Lola McKeever, Alice Taylor, and Barbara Wright; and her brothers, Bernard Paul Schmidt, Merle Schmidt, and Kress Schmidt.

Survivors include her sister, Ella (Ray) Floyd, of California; sons, James Michael (Deborah) Braswell and Timothy Earl (Betsy) Braswell; grandsons, Nathan (Amanda) Braswell, Clayton Braswell, Timothy Brent (Mayumi) Braswell, Darren Braswell, and Matthew (Kimberly) Braswell; granddaughters, Christina (Doug) Long, and Jessica (Trevor) Buckhout; and great grandchildren, Emma and Ryben Braswell, Blake Braswell, and Katie and Jerry Buckhout.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Jasper Cemetery. Pastor Raymond White will officiate. Pallbearers are Nathan Braswell, Clayton Braswell, Darren Braswell, Matthew Braswell, Blake Braswell, and Nelson Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251
Washington, DC 20090-7251.