Vivian Ely Ramsey

Vivian Ely Ramsey, formerly of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 23, 2026, just shy of 102 years old. She was born in Akron, Ohio in 1925, the daughter of George W. Ely and Cornelia Pauline Edds Ely. She grew up in Ewing, Virginia, and was bused to Hancock County High School where she met B.J. Ramsey, Jr. her freshman year. She graduated from Lincoln Memorial University and then completed her Bachelor’s degree at Carson-Newman College.

BJ and Vivian eloped in 1948. They moved to Jefferson City after BJ graduated from law school in 1949. She taught elementary school at Rush Strong Elementary for seven years before they started a family and she became a full-time mom.

Vivian and BJ were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City for many, many years where they both developed wonderful life-long friendships within the church. She taught Sunday School in the kindergarten department for 20+ years. A special thank you to everyone from the church who sent cards to her. She read all of them and it meant so much to her.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband BJ, after 63 years of marriage, and a special cousin, Queena Rae Wigington. She is survived by her two children, Sandy Dickenson (Tom) and Brent Ramsey (Beth), five grandchildren and their spouses, Aaron Dickenson (Claire), Brent Dickenson (Eliza), Paul Dickenson (Elin), Laurel Burke (Kevin) and Kelsie Lusk (Jay) and 12 1/3 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to everyone on the 3rd Floor at Arbor Terrace Knoxville, and to all the wonderful caregivers, especially from Angels Around the Clock, who have loved and cared for Vivian.

A private graveside service was held on October 28, 2026, at Jefferson Memorial Garden with all 26 of the immediate family, which included all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2011 Branner Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN