Vivah Tyson

Vivah Tyson, a devoted homemaker and cherished member of the Shandy Baptist Church, passed away peacefully at her home in Toone, Tennessee, on June 15, 2026. Born on September 8, 1928, in Crossville, Tennessee, Vivah lived a life marked by kindness, steadfast faith, and an unwavering commitment to the example set by Christ.

A woman of deep spiritual conviction, Vivah was known for her daily reading of the Bible and her gentle, loving nature. She embraced a life free of judgment, never speaking ill of others, and inspiring those around her to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Her favorite guiding principle was the simple yet profound motto: "live like Jesus and you'll never go wrong." Those who knew her well recall her as a person who taught others by her actions and who found great joy in attending church services regularly.

Vivah’s journey took her from her birthplace in Crossville to Hardeman County in the early 1970s, where she made Toone her home and heartland. Throughout her life, she nurtured and cared for her family with boundless love, fostering close relationships that endured through generations.

She is survived by her daughters—Sandy Robertson and Gerald of Horn Lake, Mississippi; Judy Rhodes of Toone; and Jennie Woods and Shawn of Hickory Valley—who carry forward her legacy of faith and kindness. Vivah also leaves behind ten grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her gentle spirit and steadfast devotion.

Vivah was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Kelly Neal; her mother, Lara Bell Neal; her husband, James Tyson; her son, Herman Rhodes; her daughter, Ina Carter; and eight sisters, whose memories she cherished deeply.

A private service to honor Vivah’s remarkable life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 1:00 at Vernon Cemetery, located at 2830 Dry Creek Road in Toone, Tennessee.

Vivah Tyson’s life was a testament to living a kind and faithful life, embodying the virtues she so dearly treasured. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, inspired by her steadfast example and enduring love.  Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).