Vivian (Vivie) Lee Whorley, 78, of Charleston, SC, passed away on 16 September 2024.

Vivian was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 5,1946 to Laura Vivian Raley and Charles William Raley.

Vivian worked as a hair stylist most of her career and raised three children as a single Mama. After a motorcycle wreck in 1991 she lost the use of her left arm and went back to school full time to get her degree, and then her Masters in horticulture at Virginia Tech. Vivian was a Horticulturist for Mepkin Abbey for 10 years, and then started her own private horticulture consulting business in her retirement. She enjoyed her garden and teaching others about herbology, as well as the holistic and natural uses for plants and herbs. She was also actively involved in the Charleston Native Plant Society and Unity Church.

Vivian was an adept and intriguing yarn spinner. She would even encourage other rabbit chasers, who would be struggling to get to their original point and tell them stories shouldn't be rushed but instead savored. That the little details made the story more vivid and interesting. Vivian created magical outdoor spaces, filled with flowers, trees, the door of intentions and hidden seating areas in her green cathedral, or 'The Back 40' as she liked to call it. Not only did every plant she touched bloom and flourish, but she also nourished her friends and family with her wisdom, kindness and listening. Vivian was a strong, resourceful woman who inspired and encouraged everyone around her.

Vivian was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Williams, her mother, Laura Barnhart, her first husband, Edley Clemmons and her longtime partner, Bob Stauber.

Vivian is survived by her son, Graham Whorley, daughter-in-law, Angela Anderson, granddaughter Raven Whorley, grandson Taylor Kiser, her grandson Issac Williams (Laura William's son), her daughter Cinnamon Buelk, son-in-law John Buelk III, grandson Maxwell Buelk, granddaughter Amara Buelk, sister Janice Ayres, sister Nora Sarver, brother-in-law Larry Sarver, nephews Matthew Sarver and Jason Sarver, and niece Sarah Sarver and countless, loving friends.

On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, from 3-6pm, the family will host a celebration of life drop-in in Vivian's Garden at 1763 Brantley Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. Friends and family who were touched by Vivian's love over the years are invited to join us and share your Vivie stories. The family respectfully requests that everyone in attendance be very careful not to block any of the driveways on Brantley Drive when parking for the celebration of life.

Cosmos Gardens

We were not prepared to say goodbye
A journey paused too soon
But your flairs were needed exclusively
To cultivate the Upper Room
God recognized your value
And saw the miracles you create
So he sent his couriers for you
Cosmos gardens could not wait
Your time with us reserved
We always knew you could not stay
On earth among the fading weeds
So you were gently plucked away
To freely explore the universe
And escape this mortal life
In esteem of your endurance
Despite your pain and strife
Your achievements have been vast
Your adventures they were bold
Some encounters did not last
Not all narratives got told
You embraced your physical life
The way that life is meant to be
You savored fruits of your labor
And adored life's cup of tea
You took risks that others wouldn't
You entered spaces many fear
You indulged in life's amusements
You saw things as they appear
You considered your intuition
And you undertook your fate
You lived without regret
Before it was too late
There were things you may have missed
But more things that you got right
And so today you're celebrated
For the lives which you made bright
So go explore the universe
You've had an amazing run
Your seeds have yielded the best of fruit
Your work on earth is done.
--Angela Anderson