Viva Mae Moore Fitzgerald Stafford, 96, was born on November 27, 1925, to Walter and Stella Moore in Greene County, Arkansas.

Viva finally got her wish granted to travel to her heavenly home on February 4, 2022, at the Cottages of Belle Meade.

Viva was a longtime member of Stanford Baptist Church, where she taught the children's Sunday School class.  After moving to Marmaduke, she attended Marmaduke First Baptist Church, while she was able too.

Viva retired from Ely Walker shirt factory as a floor supervisor.  Retirement didn't last long since she loved being around people.  She worked at Paragould Nursing Home, Belle Meade and Greene Acres Nursing Home before her final retirement.

Viva and Dale owned several restaurants in the Marmaduke and Rector areas, including the ole M&M in Rector.

Viva was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Stafford; two brothers; one sister; two step-sons, Jessie and Jimmy Stafford; and a granddaughter, Shelby Stafford.

She leaves behind her daughter and best friend, Carolyn, and son-in-law, Rudy Vines of Paragould; two daughters-in-law, Sandra Stafford of Jonesboro and Karen Stafford of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two half-sisters; and a sister-in-law.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 7, from 1:30 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Kim Bridges officiating.  Burial will be private.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Busby House at Belle Meade Cottages for their loving care of Viva.

In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Viva, may be made to Harvey's Chapel Cemetery, % Rheta Carroll, 307 W. Franklin St., Marmaduke, AR  72443.