Vivian Ann Bonifield

Vivian Ann Bonifield, Norman, OK died peacefully, after a beautiful day with family and friends on November 16, 2014. Memorial Services will be 1pm, Nov 24th, Monday at First Christian Church, 220 S Webster, Norman, OK 73069. Vivian was born to Irene McVey and James Burkhart of Stroud, OK on June 18, 1936. She was one of 6 children and worked and lived on a farm near Stroud, OK. She attended Stroud Public Schools, a one room school with her brothers and sisters for four years. Moving with her family to Oklahoma City was a fresh start for Mom and she was able to grow and flourish. She graduated from Central High School at the age of 16, with Honors in 1953. She was a prominent member of the Black Skirts (a club that the Pep Squad voted on for membership) and the Yearbook Club, which at that time wrote the yearbook for the entire student population. Her Grandfather McVey provided flowers for the graduation ceremony. Vivian graduated with a degree in mathematics from Oklahoma City University in May 1957, again with Honors, where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, and active alumni. The friendships that she made in college lasted a lifetime. To supplement her income during college, she worked on roller skates in an Oklahoma City record store, and had an awesome collection of 45’s. Vivian Burkhart married Wallace P. Bonifield on December 29, 1957, at Briton Christian Church, Oklahoma City. Vivian and family lived in Oklahoma City, before settling in Norman in 1969. She worked for the State Health Department and as a Real Estate Broker before finding her home with Southwest Title & Trust and First American Title and Trust, retiring in 2001. She supported her husband Wallace, as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Easter Seal Agency, through many hours of volunteer work and entertaining. Vivian enjoyed traveling and cruised the high seas of Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Alaska with her husband and friends. Visiting her daughter in Washington, DC and England gave her a wonderful reason to shop and visit historic museums in Ireland and Scotland. Vivian was considered a gourmet cook and was a founding member of a local gourmet group, whom she considered great friends and inspired new ideas in the kitchen. Friends and family were always delighted to be invited for dinner or special occasions. Vivian also enjoyed gardening and earned the title Master Gardener from OSU. In addition, she was an ardent Sooner Fan and enjoyed watching football, basketball and baseball. Vivian was active at Kelly Christian Church, Oklahoma City, when the family lived in Oklahoma City. She grew in lifelong discipleship with First Christian Church, Norman and was an active member, volunteer, Elder, in addition to serving on several committees. Her Bible study classes inspired her relationship with God. Vivian ‘adopted’ many Oklahoma University students far from home, and always had the time to listen and give advice to help guide them through life. Vivian never met a stranger and leaves behind many friends. Vivian is survived by her children-Kevin and Kim Bonifield, Tulsa, OK, Lia and Steve Jones, St. Charles, MO, Tracey Frost and Visu Nathan, Norman, OK. Grandchildren-Aimi Melkoday, Oklahoma City, Joshua and Stacy Frost, Oklahoma City, Julianne Bonifield, Charlottesville, VA and Carla Jones, St. Charles, MO. Great Grandchildren-Aiden and Logan Frost, Oklahoma City. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Wallace Bonifield. Brother-Donald (deceased) and wife Sue Burkhart, Norman, OK, Sister-Virginia (deceased) and husband Alfred Fisk, (deceased) Whitehead, TX, Brother-Gene and wife Akiko Burkahrt, Colorado Springs, CO, Sister Mary Drake, CA, Brother-Michael Burkhart - Deceased. Vivian had numerous nieces and nephews, whom she truly enjoyed and thought the world of. Please contact www.corbettfuneral.com for directions, additional information and to post online condolences. Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, Norman, OK For those of you who knew her, you know she was an incredible tower of strength, perseverance, devoted mother, wife, hostess, gourmet cook, gardener, friend and inspiration. Thank you Vivian, for your grace, your courage, and your love. We will miss you. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vivian Ann Bonifield please visit our Sympathy Store.