Johnnie LaVivian ‘Viv’ Britt, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 7, 2022. She was born to John Elijah and Lorene Carter Tanner in Carlisle, Arkansas, September 5, 1932. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Britt, son Nagel Britt, brothers Ed Tanner and Carl Tanner, sister Elvie Marcotte, and two special nieces, Ruby Hardke and Margaret Johnson.
She is survived by two daughters, Tanya (Lance) Taylor of Vilonia and Tina (Tom) Kimbrell of Greenbrier. Also, six grandchildren, Logan (Rebecca) Britt of Jonesboro, Elliot (Logan) Bailey of Little Rock, Kason (Haley) Kimbrell of Conway, Tanner Britt of Jonesboro, Leighton Taylor of Vilonia and Gracie Kimbrell of Greenbrier.
She was a long time employee of Pocahontas Schools where she impacted many, many students and adults during her 33 1/2 years there. Her life revolved around her family and friends. She traveled many, many miles following her grandchildren as they participated in various sports and activities. She became Mimi to entire teams of athletes.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 10 at 3pm at The Carlisle Cemetary. At MiMi’s request, her six grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Pocahontas.
Mrs. Britt was a light that shined so bright. She was a sweet kind loving caring Christian woman. She never met a stranger and always had a smile. I looked forward to seeing her when she came to the Roost with Tanya, although we had not seen each other many years it was such a pleasure to reconnect when I moved to Pocahontas. I know your family’s gonna miss you deeply. You’ve raised to very very smart talented and beautiful girls and one handsome son that I know you were in heaven rejoicing with.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time Tanya and for the days to come ahead. Should you guys need anything I’m just a phone call away.
Love, Sheryl
Vivian was my friend and customer for the 25 years that I lived and worked in Pocahontas.
We just fell in love with the girls and Nagel, too. And, was very sad when she lost Donald, and Nagel. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tanya and Tina and their families during this time.
I’m sad for you all- she was a wonderful, spunky, beautiful woman! We loved “Mimi”, and Sydnie Madison certainly loved her!! I know that they are celebrating in heaven, and that is such a wonderful thought! Much love, friends.
Dear Tanya and Tina,
Although it had been many years since I have seen you or your mom, I will always remember her smile and how kind she always was to everyone. You guys were the best neighbors!
My deepest condolences, I know your momma will truly be missed.
Love you both,
Mary (Steimel) Procyk
Tina,
Marilyn and I are so sorry for your loss. Mothers are special. May God give you comfort during this trying time.
Mimi, which everyone almost began to call her over the years was one of the greatest ladies that ever lived. She was beautiful inside and out and felt so blessed with her son, daughters, friends and then her so-loved grandchildren. I am so very thankful for the time she had with all of them as well as the time I had with her. We were great “friends” and we had many wonderful laughs together and, of course, shared some tears as well. She and I together, came up with and began not only a family phrase that became a trend that spread as each act of kindness itself was performed as “just a happy.” Our first we did was for her dear friend, Martha Rogers, on her front porch. She was TRULY an amazing Mimi to our boys and all of her grandchildren. She loved with everything she had. She was always happy and pleasant, funny and continually amazingly innocent in today’s society. Everyone around her that knew her always felt the need to “protect” her innocence. It was such a rare and cherished quality she demonstrated. Although I truly mourn her passing, as I’ve always simply missed her, I also had to chuckle many times these last days electing to think of the positive knowing she’s with her beloved husband, Don and her cherished son, Nagel. I keep laughing to myself, for instance, wondering what Tanya and Tina have selected from the wide variety of clothing she saved throughout nearly her entire life to be “buried in” (and I’m not kidding). We all always laughed that she would have to lay in wake for well over a month just for wardrobe changes! I recall so many humorous stories and memories about her and her naive nature, though her wisdom and intelligence were abundant. One I recall so clearly was when she called Nagel because she woke up cold after having the air conditioner on and didn’t know what to do. He said, “ Well, Mom, why don’t you turn on the heater?” She replied, (only Mimi. Lol) “Well, I can’t do that I’ll just confuse it!” That was the Wonderful, loving, precious, adorable Mimi we ALL want to remember. My prayers go out and will continue to in the months and years to follow for her beloved Children, their spouses, which she never though of as anything but her own children, Grandchildren, remaining family and friends. I certainly pray everyone can laugh with joy sharing the funny stories they have to share during this sad time and this will aid all in mourning her passing.
Vivian was a great friend from Carlisle school & community. Her brother Carl graduated with me at Carlisle High School. We all were very close friends who rode the school bus together & sometimes helped each other with homework. She was a precious person who saw good in everyone. Family members, I send sympathy to each of you.
Tina we are sorry about loss , we know it’s not easy losing your parent, our prayers are with you. Roger and Ramona Rorie.
Tanya , Tina and family I am so so sorry to here about Mimi!! Since she had moved to Cabot I got to know her very well and I did get in trouble a few times !!! But have heard so many great stories of the family ! All the ball games , or at the lake as long as she was with y’all she was happy !!! Mimi (Vivian ) will be missed ! I love you all and will miss her very much !!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jennifer Going