Obituary of Vivian C. Summer

We celebrate the life of Vivian Ernestine Croxton Summer who joined our Lord on April 19, 2024.

Vivian was born in Kershaw, SC on January 19, 1929, the daughter of Ernest Willie and Elizabeth McCombs Croxton. For so many, Vivian will be remembered as 'the cake lady' for her much-in-demand pound cakes, red velvet, coconut and more. She was the happiest when simply doing for others. She baked countless cakes throughout the years, and as her reputation grew, she became busier and busier, and always with a giving and loving heart. Her talent in the kitchen was remarkable, and anyone who knew her could list their favorites from the best of southern fried chicken, pork chops, and country fried steak to her casseroles and cookies.

Never one to sit still, after her retirement from Columbia Supply Company, she spent years on early morning walks and placing newspapers on neighbors' front porches. She participated actively in the Guignard Neighborhood Association, and gave her time to the American Legion Auxiliary serving several years as its secretary. Volunteerism was just the way she lived. In addition to using her bookkeeping skills at the church, she often provided meals for those church families experiencing a loss, and alongside a group from First Baptist, she visited nursing and assisted living facilities providing music, devotionals and Bible studies.

Vivian graduated from Kershaw High School and attended Columbia Business School. In 1947 while working at Columbia Supply Company on Gervais Street, she met a University of South Carolina student, Hugh Summer, sitting on a bench waiting to be interviewed for part-time summer work. That bench has been an important piece of furniture in the house for many years. Vivian and Hugh were married March 25, 1948 and were together until his early death on November 20, 1972. Vivian, a lady of tremendous faith and fortitude, made a wonderful home for her three daughters while continuing to work and be active in First Baptist of West Columbia. Her goal was to see that her daughters were raised in the Christian faith, able to attend college, and she made sure to shower all her children and their families with an endless love and unceasing prayers. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her indescribable joy as she always greeted them with those clear blue eyes, smiles and hugs.

Vivian is survived by her three daughters: Melinda J. Summer (Mt. Pleasant), Marty S. Mackey (West Columbia), and Merrie S. McNair and husband David (Mt. Pleasant), and her very special friend Mary (Richard) Smith and family of Lexington: grandsons: William Chase (Megan), Davis Ellis (Shea), and Hugh Locke (Brittany) of Charleston, Neill Hamilton (Charlotte) of Charlotte, NC, and Douglas "Bud" Miller (Katie) Mackey of Lexington and granddaughter: Summer Ann Varney of Greenwood. Six great grandchildren: Wyatt, Dow, Beezie, Ellis, Baker, Vivian and two more soon to arrive. Additionally she is survived by her brother, Herbert Miller Croxton and wife Cornelia and nephews, nieces, cousins, from the Croxton, McCombs, and Summer families.

Our special thanks to Lisa Reed for her tender care in these final weeks, and to Angela and many others at Amedisys Hospice who provided much appreciated comfort and guidance.

Those wishing to celebrate Vivian's life are invited to join us at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington.  Visitation will immediately follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the American Red Cross, something Vivian supported faithfully for decades, or donate to any special charity of your choice.