Vivian A. Young-Zephirin

Vivian was born on May 10, 1970 in Xenia, Ohio to the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Franklin Young, Sr. and the late Drema Nadine (Peyton) Young. She was the second of six children and baptized at Zion Baptist Church in Lebanon, Ohio at age 8.

Vivian’s childhood was filled with moments of perseverance including surviving a “hit and run” auto accident as a toddler.  Later the Young family would move to London, Ohio, where Vivian’s enthusiastic leadership skills began to blossom. While in high school, she served as her Sophomore Class President and statistician for the London Red Raiders’ football and basketball teams. Always the over achiever, Vivian accumulated enough credits to graduate early with her big brother Joe in 1987 from London High School.

After high school Vivian would find herself within the nurturing environment of her beloved HBCU alma mater-Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio where she graduated in 1991 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science.  Her exposure at University would open her eyes to the diverse world and many opportunities available to her. With vision and drive she ventured out of Ohio to begin her pursuit of advancing her career with stops first in Washington, D.C. and then in Des Moines, Iowa prior  to eventually returning to Ohio . In 2004 Vivian obtained a Masters in Science of Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University and in 2019 continued her pursuit of career goals by returning to the DMV area to accept her final position as Compensation Advisor at AARP where she was lovingly known by some as “Aunt Viv”.

As a woman of God, Vivian yearned and sought ways to give her love, time, advice to her Nephews, Nieces and or any person crossing her path. She had a special place in her heart for teen girls and with a vision from God, helped initiate US in CHRIST, a program for teen girls at First Baptist Church in London, Ohio. Along with working with the youth of God, Vivian loved using her Classical Soprano voice to raise octaves of praise to the Lord. Fellowshiping with fellow believers has always been essential in her walk of Faith and no matter where she resided always sought a new church home. Vivian was an active member in good standing at The Woodstream Baptist Church Bowie, MD- Pastor Dr. Robert Wingfield.

For many years Vivian was content living her life serving her God, family and community but God knew the desires of her heart and on September 17, 2011 united her with her King Dr.  Lionel Zephirin in Holy Matrimony.  In 2020 the couple would migrate south to Fredericksburg,VA. Both loving to host, Lionel made sure their home could accommodate both large families and many friends. Vivian would lovingly refer to it as the “Zephirin Bed and Breakfast.”

            “It is never easy to find that one person that can turn your world around and make it right. Such feelings are rare and we are all fighting to find it. Once you do, it is worth preserving”                                                                                      

 ~ Lionel Zephirin

Vivian leaves to mourn and cherish her memories; Husband: Dr. Lionel Zephirin Children; Maria Sonia (Peter) Bolane of Hagerstown MD., Georgie (Angie) Zephirin of Durham NC, Jackie Zephirin of West Palm Beach Fl., Gabrielle Zephirin of West Palm Beach Fl., Betty (Jean) Hilaire of Long Island NY, Raphael Zephirin of Ft. Pierce Fl. Grandchildren: Jorton, Nashton, Terrence, Emarie, Imanie, Connor, Cameron, Jermy; Great Grandchild: Sanquez

Also in deep mourning, Vivian leaves behind two brothers and three sisters. Joseph (Marie) Young Jr of Huber Heights, Ohio, Jessica Jones of Xenia, Ohio, Angela (Alan) Tucker of Columbus, Ohio, James Young of London, Ohio, Jo Ann (PJ) Watkins of Columbus Ohio. Nephews: Kamhar, JoMarre, DuShaun, Donovan, Desmond, Dillon, James Jr. DJ (Brenda), Adrian (Julia).  Nieces: Amethyst, Jodine, Joanna, Kiana, Jasmine, Mieliekk (Anthony) Milasha, Janie, Hailee.