Vivian Spires Rakestraw, a resident of The Villages, FL for the past 16 years, died peacefully Monday the 29th of April at her home. This coming September 10th would have marked her 100th birthday.
She was born September 10, 1919 just outside Quincy, in Glory Florida. Her parents were America (Taylor) and John Spires. She spent most of her years before The Villages in Tallahassee Fl. She was married to Harley S. Rakestraw.
Ms. Vivian loved socializing and was very active in The Villages, where she became known as the original “Tallahassee Lassie”. She took up golfing and was a Polo Cheerleader at age 83, a Red Hat, a member of Gail’s Girls dancing squad, a fashion model for Chico’s, took cruises and road trips with the Barefoot Beachcombers, participated in the StoryTellers Club and ceramics at Mulberry, (she even made her own Urn). These activities and a great personality got her nominated “Villager of the Month” three times in “The Villages Daily Sun”.
She is survived by her children, JoAnn Campbell and Harley Rakestraw Jr., her brother Donald Spires, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A Memorial will be held at her beloved church, The Villages Church of Christ on May 14 at 4:00 pm. The address is 1421 Oak St, Lady Lake, FL 32159.
In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to her church at the address noted.
