Willus Everett Vivian, Jr.

Willus Everett Vivian Jr. was born on April 8, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Willus E. Vivian Sr. and Fannye L. Vivian, the 1st of 7 children.

Willus was Catholic and served as an Altar boy at Saint Dominic Catholic Church, in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Harlan High School.

On October 3, 1964, Willus married Diana Lowe. Their union was blessed with the birth of two children, Stephanie Vivian and Willus E. Vivian III. They shared a love that lasted on this earth for 56 years. Willus was Diana's newspaper delivery boy and resided two blocks away. They were childhood friends.

Willus was a voracious reader cover-to-cover and subscriber of numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Newsweek, Time, Kiplinger, Fortune, Forbes, Money Magazine, The Republic, Mother Jones, Consumer Reports, three Automobile Magazines, and many more. He enjoyed watching the History Channel and Science Channel, and various news programming. He made sure his family was knowledgeable in automobile maintenance. He would say, "There's more to driving an automobile than pumping gas." "If you take care of your automobile, it will take care of you." He took pride in his lawn care, and outdoor grilling no matter the weather. He enjoyed playing the Illinois Lottery Daily Pick 3 (#749) and Daily Pick 4 (#4387). Jazz was forever music to his ears.

Willus joined the U.S. Marines Active Duty. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1965 after 4 years of service; initially based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and traveled to Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, etc. Willus earned a Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), and Rifle Expert Qualification Badge. Willus' last duty of assignment was Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia; Rank Cpl E4.

Willus worked at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as a Bus Operator from May 13, 1965 and retired on December 30, 2004. Willus worked out of the Archer Garage. Willus was a recipient of the Million Mile Award, Striving for Excellence Award, Hats Off to Willus (For a 30 Year Job Well Done!) Award,

and received the Public Safety Award and Pin (annually)for commitment, dedication and outstanding performance in serving CTA commuters. As a result, Willus was called upon to train new Bus Operators.

Willus' life came to a close on March 16, 2021, when he was ushered into the loving arms of Jesus Christ Our Savior. He made a peace with God and had a deed to that heavenly home where he can live on and on and join his loving parents, his brother Stanley, niece Angela Daniels, friends Vernon Palmore and Bennie Alexander.

Willus leaves to cherish his memories: two sisters Judith (Allen) Daniels and Gale Young; three brothers: Charles (Carly), a/k/a his Pulb, David (Barbara) and Douglas.

Willus loved being a Grandpa – Papa to Willus E. Vivian IV (#1 Grandson), Emory T. Vivian (Bestest-best) and Elise R. Vivian (BIG Elise). He took great pleasure asking them to step into his "Office." Office is the Bank. He believed a kid should always have some walk around money in their pocket.

Willus loved his daughter in-law Savitha Vivian, who always served him a ½ cup of coffee. He wanted a full cup of coffee. They'd exchange remarks of good-humor and laughter over coffee.

Willus often expressed a deep fondness for Jerry D. Brown, Jr., friend.

Dear Husband / Father:

You were the best husband and father a family could wish for, both loving and a great provider. You did everything right. It was an honor to care for you in your time of need. We will miss you forever. Our memories are grand and will be mentioned in our lifetime.

Love,

Diana, (wife), Stephanie and Willus III.