Vivian Geraldine Sommerville Flinn was born on August 30, 1934, in Akron, Ohio. She was the youngest child to bless the union of Walker and Lucille Spencer Sommerville. She received God’s grace and mercy in death and departed this life on August 16, 2023, at her home.
Vivian was educated formally through the Akron Public School system. She attended Robinson Elementary and graduated from East High School. Vivian was employed at Akron General Hospital as a pharmacist assistant.
In 1965, “There came a man, who was sent from God: his name was John” (John 1:6-9). Vivian followed her heart and married Rev John H Flinn on February 25, 1967. From that union, she became the mother of 10 children.
At that point Vivian was committed to child-rearing and supporting the pastoral ministry of her husband, even to the point of moving to Cincinnati, OH. She enjoyed supporting her husband’s ministry and served as “First Lady” of many churches and congregations. Vivian was well known for her love of family, hats, shoes, purses and making sure that “Daddy” always looked good.
Vivian is preceded in death by her parents Walker and Lucille Sommerville, beloved husband of 46 years Rev John H Flinn, children Josephine Taylor and Willie Flinn, son-in-law, Bernard, daughter-in-law, Flora, brothers Walker and Robert Sommerville and sister Audrey Scruggs.
She leaves to cherish her memory children; Michael (Audrey), Akron, OH, John (Cynthia), Delaware, OH, Donald (Chery), Rowlette, TX, Minnie, Sanford, FL, Henrietta, Paramount, CA, Marilyn, Spartanburg, SC, Shirley, Cincinnati, OH, Linda, Long Beach CA ; brother-in-law Gene Scruggs, Akron, OH, and sister-in-law Jewell Sommerville, Akron, OH. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Christians from various past parishes and churches, as well as the “Cliffwood Court ” community who served as her guardian angels.
A special thanks to Shirley for her “labor of love” as a caretaker, daughter, and companion for the last few years. Sista, thank you for Honoring Our Mom, “May your days be long…”
“Geeta”, thanks for your loving commitment. You were truly a blessing to her.
See ya later, “VIPPO”.