Vivian Lavern McDougle

Vivian Lavern McDougle Vivian Lavern Peeler was born on March 17, 1941, in Lenox, Georgia to Fred Peeler and Ethel Moore- Peeler. She was the youngest of four children, sisters Dorothy, Clara, and brother Justice. At a young age the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Her father was a migrant worker, this led the family lived many places such as New York and Virginia. As a young adult, Vivian ended up settling near Pahokee, Florida in a small-town call Sand Cut where she met and married Felton Barnes and to this union produced four children, Linda, Anthony, Regina, and Felton Jr. Becoming a migrate worker herself, she and the family relocated to Pompano Beach, FL. Her and Felton later divorced. While living Pompano Beach, Vivian met Joseph McLamore, this relationship produced three children, Holly, Rhonda, and Bonnie. Later in life, Vivian married Billy McDougle who preceded her death, there were no children from this union. With hard work and determination, Vivian pursued and received her GED from Blanche Ely Adult Education Program and then went on to Atlantic Vocational Center and received her training and licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her drive and hard work were so astounding that she was featured in an article by the Westside Gazette a local newspaper of Pompano Beach, Florida. Vivian went on to work for North Broward Medical Center for 35 years providing care to the most critical patients. Accepting Christ early in her life, Vivian became an ordained minister in 1988 under the leadership of Dr. Aretha Washington. In 2002, Free Church of Deliverance, Inc. of Pompano Beach, recognized Vivian’s passion for the Gospel and appointed her as Pastor. Pastor Vivian served in this capacity with honor and dedication continuing to encourage all to be saved and maintain a relationship with Christ. In continuing her quest to know more about the Gospel, Pastor Vivian went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Master’s degree in Christian Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary of South Florida. Among her work as a Pastor, Vivian enjoyed shopping, cooking, gardening, and crafting. She had an eye for fashion, loved to decorate and keep a nice home. Vivian’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and she quickly became fondly known for her outstanding Christmas Eve dinners where her family and friends would enjoy an exceptional home cooked meal while admiring her elaborate display of holiday decorations. Departing this life to her heavenly home on December 28, 2022, to Cherish her memory, Vivian L. McDougle leaves behind her sister Dorothy Bryant of Fort Lauderdale, FL. As well as five living children, Linda Barnes of Pompano Beach, FL, Anthony Barnes of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Holly Barnes-Nelson (Ron) of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Rhonda Strickland (Desi) of Miami, FL. and Bonnie Graham (Haile) of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Two children that preceded her in death Regina Barnes and Felton Barnes Jr. Additionally, there are 29 Grandchildren and a host of Great-Grandchildren and Great -Great Grandchildren that will miss her dearly. All that met her knew that her kindness, hospitality, and humor was genuine. For her Family and Friends, she demonstrated what it meant to Love tough & unconditionally, Forgive whole-heartly and live Holy. May She rest in Love, Peace, and in God’s Glory, until we meet again.

Vivian Lavern McDougle

March 17, 1941 - December 28, 2022