BLACKBURN, Viva Geneva Foster

(Maiden Name: Toungett)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Friday, July 4, 2003 Viva Geneva Toungett Foster Blackburn, 88, was born February 8, 1915, in Marcella Falls, Tennessee, and passed away on June 23, 2003, at her daughter's home in Phoenix. She was fourth born of thirteen siblings, and was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Toungett and Susie Dycus Toungett, four sisters and three brothers. She was the widow of Cecil H. Foster who passed away in January 1962, and Alvis F. Blackburn, who passed away in March 1989. Viva resided in Michigan for thirty-three years before retiring to Jonosboro, Arkansas, where she was a member of the Southwest Church of Christ. For the past three and a half years she has resided in Phoenix, Arizona, with her daughter, Ellen Hadorn Russell and son-in-law, James Russell. Until losing her center vision to macular degeneration, she was an avid reader and pieced beautiful quilts. Her hobby was gardening, and she was known for having the most beautiful lawn in Michigan and in Arkansas. Her favorite flowers were roses and African Violets. She is survived by her son, Everett Foster, daughter-in law, Maxine Foster of Taylor, Michigan; two daughters, Myrna Toreno, son -in-law, Michael Toreno, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Ellen Hadorn-Russell, son-in-law, James Russell, of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren two sisters, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Pierce of Ocoee, Florida; Mrs. Ruby Dossai of Newport, Michigan; and three brothers Austin Toungett of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Henry Toungett of Ethridge, Tennessee; and Dumont Toungett of Santa Fe, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held from 1-7PM, with service at 7PM, Monday, June 30, 2003 at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonosboro, AR. Burial was held at 11AM, Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at Jonosboro Memorial Park. Local arrangements were handled by Hansen Mortuary. Memorial Contributions may be made to Rochester College, 800 West Avon Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, or Hospice of The Valley, 1515 East Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

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Posted by Wendy H. on April 13, 2011

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