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BARNWELL - Vivian Whisnant Holliday, 75, passed away suddenly at her South Carolina home on October 11, 2024.
Born in Sumter, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Philip Bomar Whisnant and Hilda Thorne Whisnant. She graduated from Barnwell High School in 1967 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Lander University in 1971, after which she obtained her teaching licensure and began her lifelong teaching career. She taught high school English for 36 years at both Barnwell High School and Jefferson Davis Academy, where she was known for her dry wit, care for her students, and knack for instilling a love of literature in students who may not have otherwise cared for the classics. She was one of the founders of Barnwell High School’s Living Literature Museum, which brought literary characters to life for hundreds of students over the years. Vivian loved reading and spending time at the beach, especially Edisto, seldom happier than when she could have her face to the sun and toes in the sand. If anything made her more joyful, it was spending time with her three grandchildren, of whom she was so proud, and would travel as often as possible to spend time with them in North Carolina and Colorado and later, California.
Vivian was a beloved wife, dedicated mother, loving Fifi to her grandchildren, and caring sister and aunt who is survived by her husband, Duncan Holliday Jr. of Barnwell; sons, Jason Holliday (Chrissy) of Eureka, C.A. and Philip Holliday (Angie) of Denver, N.C.; grandchildren Camryn, Carsyn and Kellen; sister, Judy W. Brown (Walter); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Philip “Monk” Whisnant, and sister, Nancy Whisnant Creech.
Services will be held beginning at 11 a.m. at Williston Presbyterian Church, Williston, S.C., on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: The COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, F.L. 33134 or Williston Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 391, Williston, S.C. 29853.
Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at molefh.com.
