A tradition at the ECW Triennial is the recognition of one extra special woman from every diocese of The Episcopal Church. In North Carolina this woman is selected by the Diocesan ECW board. This recognition, once known as Honored Women, is now called Distinguished Women. This Triennial the board elected to posthumously recognize Vivian Edwards, known by many throughout the diocese, because of the totality of a life lived well and faithfully.

Vivian was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Henderson, NC. Happily following the example set by her mother, she actively participated in the work of Episcopal Church Women all her adult life because she believed in the power of women’s ministry to positively impact the lives of people. She served St. John’s in various capacities, including treasurer, choir member, and Vestry member. Likewise, her time with the Diocesan ECW included multiple jobs over a long span of years, but the one closest to her heart was Altar Guild director. Vivian knew her way around an altar, loved the beauty of flowers, appreciated the specialness of sacred objects, and understood the Liturgy of the Word. That’s what made her a valued part of the diocese’s Liturgical Commission. 

In fact, what she valued most was making a difference through service, whether it was to her church, garden club, local genealogy society or town. As mayor of Middleburg, NC for 15 years she was instrumental in obtaining clean drinking water for the residents of her town when local wells became contaminated. She also established Middleburg Fun Day as a way to bring the community and community churches together.

Vivian, the wife of Frank and mother of Cheryl and Leigh Ann, had a caring heart, a listening ear, a ready laugh, and an optimist’s outlook. She distinguished herself by not distinguishing between people. Her faith and personal creed, explain her daughters, meant, “she couldn’t say ‘no’ to anyone when they asked for help, and always being generous with her time and energy.”