VIVIAN TARR

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Arlie R. Mansberger and Mary Mildred (“Mamie”) Smith Mansberger, by her husband of 33 years Judge Floyd Ramsay Tarr, by their infant son Jonathan, by her brother Dr. Arlie R. Mansberger, Jr. (Ellen), and by her sisters Mary Yvette (“Betty”) Shaw (J. William “Bill”) and Dr. Ruth E. Shearer (Richard).

Vivian was a graduate of Weir High School and of West Virginia University with a BA in Secondary Education, majoring in English and minoring in Spanish. She taught for over twenty years in Hancock and Brooke County schools, both full-time and as a substitute teacher. Vivian was often able to connect with students whom other teachers found to be difficult. One day, as he left the courthouse, her husband heard a voice call out to him from a jail cell overlooking the parking lot: “Hello, Mr. Tarr. Please don’t tell Mrs. Tarr I’m in here.” It was one of Vivan’s former students.

She was a member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, where she worshipped for more than 65 years. She was active in Church Women United, United Methodist Women, and a Wednesday morning Bible Study class whose members became her dearest friends. One of the highlights of her life was witnessing the UMC’s General Conference held in Pittsburgh in 2004, attended by delegates from all over the world, with her dear friend Rev. Patty Beagle. Vivian was a member of the Weirton Woman’s Club, Literary Division, was a Literacy volunteer at the Mary H. Weir Public Library, and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helping individuals prepare and file their tax returns.

Vivian and her husband Floyd loved to travel. They also enjoyed visiting local flea markets and antique stores in search of “hidden treasures.” Vivian often hosted immediate and extended family members at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and for special anniversary and birthday celebrations. Vivian was an avid reader, loved solving puzzles of all kinds, and enjoyed watching British comedies and dramas on public television. She never failed to watch the news or to vote in a city, state or federal election. A woman of deep but quiet faith, she taught her children that “actions speak louder than words.”

She is survived by her son Andrew Floyd Tarr, and daughters Pamela Dawn Tarr (Gary Hart), Teresa Abigail Tarr, and Sandra Tarr Austria (Al), grandchildren Daniel Hart of Pullman, WA, Sara Hart of Columbus, OH and Julia Austria of Morgantown, a host of beloved nieces and nephews and their families, and many cherished friends.

The family would like to express its deep appreciation to Mom’s dear friend and caregiver Monica Grossi, to her lifelong friend Alicia Wasik, and to her neighbors John and Karen Frankovitch and Rita and Naso Chaliotis, who have all been so kind and helpful to our mother over the years. We would also like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at Liza’s Place who provided Mom with a “home away from home” and cried with us when she departed.

A Celebration of Life for Vivian will be held at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Weirton on Saturday, November 8th, with visitation from 11 AM to noon, the service beginning at noon, to be followed by lunch at Giovanni’s Restaurant (Gio’s Family Restaurant), 3013 Pennsylvania Avenue, Weirton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 2482, Weirton, WV 26062.

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