Vivian Dawn Porter

Vivian Dawn Porter, 75, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on June 27, 2026.

She was born on April 3, 1951, in Statesboro, Georgia, and was the daughter of John and Lula Peterman. Vivian was preceded in death by her Mother and Father.

Growing up primarily in Winder, Georgia, Vivian was an active participant in Girl Scouts and a dedicated member of her high school marching band all four years. She served as a majorette from her sophomore through senior years and was named drum majorette as a senior. She was also a leader in her church youth group. Known for her quick wit and keen sense of humor, Vivian was voted "Wittiest" and recognized as an Outstanding Senior by her classmates.

After graduating from high school, Vivian served in the U.S. Air Force, where she trained as a medic. While on active duty, she pursued college coursework whenever her schedule allowed. Following her military service, she continued her education at several different colleges due to her husband’s military assignment relocations. She completed her degree at Radford University in Radford, Virginia, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

Vivian began her career at The Methodist Hospital of Houston, where she worked for several years before moving to Atlanta. She then joined Emory University Medical School, where she served as a Research Coordinator for 30 years. In her final role at Emory, she led the Atlanta recruitment and participant follow-up efforts for the National Institutes of Health-sponsored study, The Women's Health Initiative.

Vivian had a lifelong passion for plants, gardening, and landscape design. Her beautifully tended gardens were a source of pride and often drew compliments from family, friends, and neighbors. In retirement, she pursued this interest even further by completing the Master Gardener program through the County Extension Service, earning the designation of Master Gardener. She became an active member of the Dahlonega Master Gardener group, where she served as Hospitality Chair for group events.

Vivian treasured the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She shared especially close bonds with her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with them, particularly her three grandsons. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Porter; son Zachary (Zach) Porter (Devon); daughter Katherine (Katie) Aiken (Matt); sister Luann Hicks (Al); grandsons Dane Porter, Bowen Aiken, Theodore (Theo) Aiken; nieces Emily Walker, Anna Hicks Wendt; nephew Kevin Porter.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, July 19, at 2:00 PM at

Shiloh Gardens Special Events Venue 

5235 Union Hill Rd, Cumming, GA 30040

In place of flowers, donations may be made to:

Emory Winship Cancer Institute

1365 Clifton Road NE, Building C, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 

https://winshipcancer.emory.edu