Vivian Louise (Lazenby) Ferguson

Vivian Louise (Lazenby) Ferguson, 93 of Lumberton, became a member of the heavenly chorus Sunday evening at Pearl River County Nursing Home. Ms. Vivian was born September 1, 1927 in Poplarville, the daughter of Wilson and Amber (Johnson) Lazenby. Growing up in Lumberton in the time of the Great Depression, Vivian knew what work was all about. That defined her life, as anyone who knew her will tell you that she was the hardest working person they knew. She married Julius Eugene Ferguson and they made their home in Lumberton, where they had a dairy. Vivian learned to sew as a young girl and went to work for Movie Star as a seamstress. Through the years Vivian worked in the Purvis, Lumberton and Poplarville plants, sewing countless articles together. As if that wasn't enough, after her shift at Movie Star was done, she would hurry home to do whatever needed to be done at the dairy in the afternoons and on Saturdays. A faithful Christian woman and life-long member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Vivian loved the Lord and her church family, especially the children. She studied God's Word and took some Bible classes at PRCC to enhance her knowledge, teaching Sunday School most of her adult life. She loved to worship, sing to the Lord, always willing to help wherever she could around church. She worked hard to take care of her family, all while raising their four children. She is lovingly remembered by so many locally because she was their Sunday School teacher and a member of the church and community that everyone looked up to. One thing about Ms. Vivian though was you never had to wonder what was on her mind. She was a loving woman to all, but outspoken and brutally honest to boot. That is just one of the many reasons she will be so fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded by her parents, siblings Louis Jones, Gladys Ladner and Tommy Lazenby, her loving husband Julius Ferguson, and her son-in-law, J.L. Madden. Left to cherish her memories are: one daughter, Patsy Madden of Hattiesburg and three sons, Richard (Mary) Ferguson of Oregon, Ronald Ferguson of Georgia and Billy Ferguson of Lumberton; and one remaining sister, Louise Jones of Brookhaven. Vivian leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Jason, Sam, Ron, Drew, Patrice and Katrina, one great-grand, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A graveside service will be held Wednesday morning, Dec. 23rd at 9:00 AM in the Ladner-Lee Cemetery, next to Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Her former Sunday School student and current pastor, Rev. Tommy Jones will officiate. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ferguson family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.