Vivian Franks Cashwell
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Vivian Franks Cashwell, age 82, most recently of Oxford, PA, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Vivian (class of '59) and her husband of 57 years, Clayton ('57), met at Elon College in her hometown of Elon, NC. She worked as a teacher during the 1960s at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA.
Vivian claimed to not like cooking, but she was great at it. Especially her pecan pie, which has ruined us for all others. We treasure her handwritten recipes. She would also say she was not artistic, but any project she tried turned out beautifully. Her Christmas ornaments are a joy to see each year. She did not like being the center of attention. We debated writing an obituary for her, asking ourselves if this would be more publicity than she would want. That, combined with a distaste for having photos taken of her, made us wonder as children if she'd been a spy. She'd have laughed at that.
Vivian is survived by her daughter, Amy Cashwell; son-in-law, Rob Maresca (who made her light up by calling her Mom); and their sons, Troy and Clay of Bryn Mawr, PA; her son, John Cashwell; daughter-in-law, Meredith; and their son, Rob of Oxford, PA. She is also survived by her siblings Betty Reynolds and Richard (Carolyn) Franks of Burlington, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton; parents, Cora and Numa Franks, Sr.; and brother, Numa "N.R." Franks, Jr.
If she had a guiding principle in life, it would be the lesson learned from her father of the importance of respecting people for who they are, regardless of their appearance or life's circumstances. Vivian's most favorite people were her three grandsons. She would've been proud to see her interest in nature, puzzles, books and trivia living on with them. If she had a last regret in life, it would have been not having more time with them.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vivian's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
To leave online condolences, visit: spicermullikin.com
SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY
302-368-9500