Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross Obituary in N. Charleston at The Low Country Mortuary

Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross

5/2/1943 - 10/8/2023

Obituary For Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross

Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross, the daughter of the late Culous and JohnEtta Hayes, departed this life on October 8, 2023 in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Vivian was born on May 2, 1943 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the youngest of three children and the heart of her brothers Culous and William.

As a young girl, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Like her Mother who was the first Female President of the NAACP in Nashville, she also joined the NAACP’s Youth Council and became the President of the youth branch. Even at her young age, she fought for equal rights and desegregation.

After graduating from Pearl High School in 1961, she decided to move to DC to attend Patricia Stevens Career College and start a modeling career. After graduating in 1964, she continued modeling while also teaching modeling to high school girls. During this time, Vivian became a member of Purity Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and started a young adult club.

A few years later, she married and out of that union, she had two beautiful children. She decided to stay home for a while to raise her children and be a homemaker. Once her children were school age, Vivian went back to work in Sales, where she excelled. Vivian loved people and they loved her; she was fabulous in this area. At one point she sold the company’s largest single project which was a quarter of a million-dollar file conversion project. She also won various awards such as “Outstanding First Year Sale”, “Top Producer” and “Quota Buster”.

Some knew her as “Vivian” and some knew her as “Elaine” but everyone loved her sweet spirit. All who knew her, remember her wonderful advice, her beautiful voice that was always filled with a joyful sound and of course her gorgeous hats. Her love of hats came from watching her grandmother wear them at an early age. Once she started wearing them, they became her “signature look.” She loved to coordinate a beautiful hat with every outfit. Vivian had style and grace, she was often referred to as “Classy, Stylish and Sophisticated”. Vivian loved to dress and never left the house without being coordinated with a gorgeous outfit, matching shoes and matching earrings.

Vivian and her husband Elwood decided to move to South Carolina to retire. Through the years she was involved in various church activities. She organized events, wrote plays and mentored young adults. After joining Mt. Moriah, Vivian spent some time as the church Wedding planner. Vivian also spent many years devoted to caring for friends and relatives. She spent several years caring for her Aunt Nella and her cousin Charles Hayes who both lived in the DC area. Her motto was “If I can help someone, I will” and she did for her entire life. She felt as though her purpose was to help and support others. Vivian was an Amazing lady who loved her God, her church and her family. She especially enjoyed encouraging young people to realize their dreams. She will truly be missed by all who loved her!

Vivian was preceded in death by her father, Culous M. Hayes; her mother, JohnEtta Hayes; her Great Aunt, Nella Hockett; her brother, William Hayes and her granddaughter, Isabella Marie Bullock. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Elwood Gross; her brother, Culous M. Hayes, Jr. (Bessie); her devoted children, Sonja A. Bullock (Kevin); and William J. Ross, Jr. (Shajuana); her grandchildren, William J. Ross III and Jordan E. Ross; her step-children, Maxine Cowin (Neil); Delphine Gross and George Gross (Temica); her step-grandchildren George Gross and Abigail Cowin; her nephew, Culous M. Hayes, III (Jill); her niece Alicia O’Donaghue and various other devoted family and friends.

The Home Going Service will take place on Friday, October 20, 2023, 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 7396 Rivers Ave., N. Charleston, SC. A graveside service will also take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 11:00 AM at Maryland National Park Cemetery in Laurel , MD.

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Tributes

Tiffani McGee sent The Peace Lily for Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross - 10/16/2023

Mrs. Bullock, We offer our most sincere condolences, in the passing of your mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Isaiah 41:10 ~ Love Your Middle School Team
Tim Edwards, Sr sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross - 10/15/2023

Sonja and Kevin, Our deepest sympathies to you for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you, Tim Sr. and Barbie Edwards
David Burger planted 10 trees in memory of Vivian Elaine Hayes Gross . - 10/11/2023

Condolences

10/27/2023

Cassaundrya Dozier

Sonja, William, My sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May the peace of God comfort and sustain you.
10/27/2023

Cassaundrya Dozier
10/20/2023

Paulette

Sonja, Kevin and family. My sincere condolences are extended to you during this challenging time. My heart goes out to you and I am praying for peace and comfort to be with you in the days ahead. This candle is shining bright as a remembrance of her vibrant smile and beautiful spirit. Love. ❤️ Paulette, Audra, Hunter & Dad
10/19/2023

Lucinda Magwood

Dear Mrs. Sonja Bullock and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother, Mrs. Vivian Hayes Gross. She was the most sweetest and gracious woman that I've ever known. Not only was she beautiful, but she was smart and talented. She was especially gifted as a wedding planner/coordinator. May her love and precious memories forever live in your heart and comfort you in time of need. Sincerely, Lucinda Magwood
10/16/2023

Connie Steele

To my sister in law. I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If Dwight or I can do anything to assist you we are here for you. Hugs and kisses Connie and Dwight Steele. Sr.
10/14/2023

LiFran Fort

Dearest Sonja, Please know that you, William, Culous II, Kevin and the rest of your family are in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your darling mother Elaine. She was such a beautiful soul, and her memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Blessings now and always, LiFran Fort
10/12/2023

Jjada52@hotmail.com

Sonja &William were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother Condolences from the Magwood's . Your mother was a remarkable woman to me and my family, we were blessed to know her. Your mom -a wise woman , aTeacher ,and A Woman Of God ❤️ I'm here for you call me
10/12/2023

Patricia Walker
10/12/2023

Rhoda Pulled

To Sonja and William. My Condolences to you both & your Family. May the Lord Continue to extend comfort for you all daily. From the Heart. . . Rhoda Pullum
10/12/2023

Valerie Jones

You reached out to me during some troubling times in my life. You were an Angel. I will miss you my beautiful friend
10/12/2023

Helen Stevens

My condolences to the family
10/12/2023

Joseph Kelly

Sonja and William my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was a sweet lady. Joseph Kelly
10/11/2023

Tiffani McGee

Mrs. Bullock, Please accept my most sincere condolences, in the loss of your mother. I pray that God comforts you and your family during this difficult time. ~Matthew 5:4
10/11/2023

Betty Mays-Houston Tx

My Deepest Condolences to the family. Ms. Gross was my church member. Very sweet lady. May she rest in peace.
10/11/2023

Rev Dr. and Dr. Cook

Praying for you and your family during this time of loss. I pray that God will comfort you all and give you peace. My heartfelt condolences. Rev. Dr. and Dr. Cook
10/11/2023

Krystyn Jackson

Mrs. Bullock, I offer my sincerest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for the caregiving you modeled which is a true representation of your spirit. I am praying for peace that surpasses all understanding. -Mrs. Krystyn Jackson
10/11/2023

Misty & Conrad Blades

Sonja, may your heart be comforted during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. The angels rejoice at her homecoming. ~Psalm 23
10/11/2023

Tyra Simon

Mrs. Bullock, I know how dear your mother is to you and how you've cared for her without question or hesitation. I hope you find solace in knowing you are a mother's dream. Your forever Angel 🕊️ will smile on you forever. I pray God gives you a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. You (& your family) will remain in my heart ♥️ and prayers 🙏🏽 for quite some time. When days or nights feel unbearable, I hope you are able to reflect on sweet memories. Take care of yourself and please let me know if I can do anything to support you further during this difficult time.
10/11/2023

MARY BARKLEY

My dear friend, Sonja, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. My deepest and sincere condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am here for you if you need anything. Sending much love and prayers your way. 🙏🏽❤️

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