Vivian Lorraine Renshaw

On Friday evening, November 11th, Vivian Lorraine Delaney Renshaw, a long-time resident of Central Florida, peacefully transitioned from restful sleep into the arms of Jesus. Born October 16, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, Vivian and was eighty-nine at the time of her home going. The only daughter of Alexander Richard Delaney and Naomi Ruth Ford Delaney who lived most of their married lives in the cities of Concord and Knoxville, Tennessee, Vivian had three siblings. She was preceded in death by her eldest brother, Elbert and her younger brother Jack. She is survived by her brother Lloyd Delaney of Alcoa, Tennessee. Ms. Renshaw was a graduate of Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Upon graduation, she was employed at Oak Ridge during the war effort as an assembly-line worker building bombs. In April of 1948, Vivian married the love of her life, Charles Walter Renshaw: also from Knoxville. During their early marriage, Vivian worked as a telephone switch board operator while her husband served in the military during WWII. Their union was blessed by one daughter: Charlotte Lorraine Renshaw-Fusco. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Vivian returned to the work- force in the fashion offices of Miller’s and later Riches’ Department stores. While living in Knoxville, Vivian and her family were active members of Alice Bell Baptist Church followed by Bell Avenue Baptist Church. In 1978, Vivian retired and made a major life change by moving with her husband, Charles, to Orlando, Florida to live close to their daughter, “son-in-love” (her choice of reference) Domenic Fusco, PhD., and her only, and much cherished grandchild, Giovannina. Over the years, Vivian and her husband were members at Calvary Assembly of God, First Assembly of God, and later Household of Faith. As a couple, they regularly opened their home throughout the years for Bible studies, prayer meetings, and Christian counseling. The Renshaws were great supporters of their daughter and son-in-law’s evangelistic outreach, Visible Light Ministries, as well as many other Christian ministries such as the Billy Graham Crusades and the 700 Club. The mainstay of their happy lives was a marriage bathed in prayer and a family embraced by love. In September 1986, Vivian lost her husband suddenly to heart failure at age 58. Shortly afterward, she attended Valencia College to hone her skills for returning to the workforce. After completing her training, Vivian was employed for a few years at Gaffer’s Department Store. She later joined the church office staff of Pine Castle United Methodist in Orlando: her home church. She was an active member of the prayer team there for many years and served the elderly by running errands for them or driving them to doctor appointments. Vivian’s faith in Christ was her confidence and hope and His faithful companionship her comfort in widowhood. In addition to her daily devotions, intercessory prayer, and Bible study, Vivian was an avid reader who loved sharing her books with friends. She was a skilled seamstress who dabbled in still life painting and a master of handwork: embroidery, crochet, knitting, and crewel needle work. She loved nature walks for exercise and inspiration and enjoyed watching The Gaither’s Homecoming music specials, Hallmark movies, and the Lawrence Welk show for entertainment. From her youth, Vivian was a patriot. She felt blessed to be an American and remained an active voter till the end. Her daily prayer was to see our country return to values that honor God. On September 2, 2000, Vivian happily celebrated the marriage of her granddaughter Giovannina to Surya Suluh. By 2002, Vivian’s family encouraged her to move to Sanford, Florida where she resided at Bram Towers (now Serenity Towers) in order for them to more closely monitor her well being and so that she could be close to her first great granddaughter. In less than six years, she welcomed three beautiful great grandchildren into her heart and arms: Gabriella Therese, Anabella Cecilia, and Lorenzo Christopher Suluh. As soon as Vivian became a Sanford resident, she became a member of First United Methodist Church where she attended regularly and was a member of the prayer team until her failing health no longer permitted her attendance. But, from her arm chair, and eventually her bed, Vivian continued her ministry of intercessory prayer for her family, friends, church, and ministries around the world. As Vivian’s physical limitations required round the clock assistance, she moved to Renaissance Retirement Center. Vivian lived there for several years and was well-loved and admired by staff and residents alike. She often voiced her gratitude for the assisted living staff who enhanced and safe-guarded her quality of life and for the tender care of the Vitas Hospice teams who facilitated her transition during a health crisis from the retirement center to Sweet Home at Last Assisted Living in Deltona, Florida where she received loving and tender care in a home-like setting until her passing. Vivian spent her final days with her daughter and family at her side, speaking to loved ones by phone, enjoying the visits and many beautiful cards sent by loving friends, and listening to instrumental music which brought her great peace. Until three days before her passing, Vivian still tried to sing along to praise songs, thanked her caregivers for their kindnesses, and smiled and whispered “I love you” to those closest to her. Vivian’s life was that of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. She began every morning with these words: “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” In lack or in plenty, in sickness or good health, Vivian remained ever-cheerful. Each night before sleeping she prayed Psalms 91 over every loved one. She was an encourager who showered kindness on friends and strangers alike and was above all else a vigilant prayer warrior. In addition to her immediate family in Florida, Vivian Renshaw is survived by her brother Lloyd Delaney, three nephews: Larry Renshaw, Neal Delaney, and Danny Delaney, and four nieces Donna Renshaw Ragel, Susan Sells, Darlene Finch, and Teresa Brady, their families, and a number of loving friends in the Body of Christ. In celebration of the virtuous life of this beautiful woman of God, an open Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Sanford, Florida on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at two o’clock in the afternoon. Following the gathering, Vivian will be transported to her home state where her spirit and mortal remains will be committed to God at a graveside service, and laid to rest beside her beloved husband, in Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee. Those who mourn Vivian’s passing also rejoice in the knowledge that she has entered into the reward of those who remain faithful to Christ until the end. She breathed her last breath, joining that great company of faithful saints who have gone before her, with this confidence: I have fought long and hard for my Lord and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And not just to me but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to his coming back again. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Living Bibl

Vivian Lorraine Renshaw

October 16, 1927 - November 11, 2016