Vivian Elane Hemmert

Vivian Elane “Lanie” (Van Ness) Hemmert, of Inola, Oklahoma, an 89-years-young woman who loved to sing for the Lord, died March 24, 2012 at home surrounded by her four sons.

Born December 2, 1922, to Roy Ferman Van Ness and Mary Elizabeth (Crook) Van Ness in Little Rock, Vivian married Arlie W. Andrews in 1939; they had four sons. She attended Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, served in the Order of the Eastern Star, and worked in family businesses.

Vivian married Robert Edward Hemmert Sr. in 1986, moving to Inola, Oklahoma, where she sang in the choir at Calvary Baptist Church. The self-taught pianist, artist and singer later joined Trinity Baptist Church, and traveled with gospel singing groups “The SonLights” and “Thankful Hearts.” She loved the gospel song “Death Ain’t No Big Deal.”

Survivors include Arlan K. & Joyce Andrews, Corpus Christi, Texas; Roy A. Andrews & Sue Nelson, Corpus Christi, Texas; Aaron W. & Mary Daisy Andrews, Alpharetta, Georgia; Richard A. Andrews, Inola, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Little Rock’s Landmark Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Roy Polk officiating. Interment will follow at Landmark Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers are Van Dwight Vanness, Arlan K. Andrews Jr., Arlan K. Andrews Sr., Aaron W. Andrews, Danny Gartrell and Ronald W. Andrews-Sitton.