Vivian De Lora Rush Reeves, 79, of South Pittsburg, TN died Monday, March 15, 2010 at Memorial Hospital.

Vivian's faith, courage, and sense of humor during the most difficult of times became an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with her. Her faith in Jesus carried her through a life that was filled with events that were truly remarkable. In 1963, at a time when heart surgery was in its pioneer stage, she was the 26th patient to receive the Star Valve. In 1990, she received a new heart through the transplant program at Vanderbilt that was performed by Dr. Bill Frist. Vivian was the oldest person to ever receive a heart transplant. She became a strong advocate for organ donation and worked hard to spread awareness of how the gift of life transforms the lives of those that give through their grief and those that receive that gift. Through this surgery, she and her husband Cleo, became good friends with Dr. Frist and were his campaign managers for the Marion County area during his re-election bid. Due to her deep faith, Vivian held many positions in her church over the years and was also involved with local, state and foreign missions. Both she and Cleo were a part of and supported the Gideon's International to help spread the gospel around the world. Through her faith and the support and love of her husband, together they served the Lord and lead many to Christ. To Vivian, this was her greatest accomplishment in life.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. Lee Rush and Annie B. Rush Traylor; her husband, Cleo Warner Reeves, and infant son, Roger David Reeves.

She is survived by two sisters, Virginia Dare Smith of Fort Payne, AL and Mahalah Stone of Boaz, AL; nieces and nephews, Eddie and Adrianne Smith, Joyce and Charles Meeks, Sandra and George Kossakoaski, Theresa and David Pritchett, Pam Stone Lowery, Rock and Lynn Stone, Ricky and Sheila Stone, Milton and Connie Reeves, Randy and Suzanne Reeves, Jeff Reeves, Reba and Bill Westbrooks, Ricky and Jackie Westbrooks, Brande and Danny Guess, Annette Reeves and many cousins, great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 17 from 5-9 pm central time at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm central time at First Baptist Church South Pittsburg with Reverend Charlie Campbell officiating. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Fort Payne, Alabama. Pallbearers are Eddie Smith, Milton Reeves, Ricky Westbrooks, Randy Reeves, Rock Stone and Danny Stone.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Gideon's International or the missions fund at First Baptist Church, 306 Fifth Street, South Pittsburg, TN 37380.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Puckett, Dr. Bill Frist, the doctors and nurses at the Vanderbilt Heart Transplant center for the care they have given Vivian over the years. We would also like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospital and NHC Chattanooga for their kindness and the extra special care given to Vivian and her family. To all of our family and friends, we want to let you know that your love and support has meant more than you will ever know. May God Bless each of you.