"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die..."

A Time to Be Born

Vivian Ann Mahdi’s season began on September 20, 1953, in Milford, Texas, born to the union of Neal Perkins and Johnnie Mae Walker Perkins. Her roots run deep in the soil of Milford, where she grew from a vibrant young girl into a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

A Time to Plant and a Time to Build

Vivian spent her life "planting" seeds of love and service. In 1972, she graduated from Milford High School, where she was known as a phenomenal athlete on the basketball court. She continued to build her future at TSTC in Waco, Texas, earning her Dietary Management Certification.

For many years, Vivian served her community with a "time to labor," working as the Dietary Manager at Trinity Mission Nursing Home in Italy, Texas, until her retirement in the early 2000s. Her strength and diligence were further shown through her leadership in the family’s business affairs; she capably managed a multitude of rental properties in Waxahachie, Milford, and Forreston, and served as the executor of her late husband’s estate following his passing in April 2020.

A Time to Love and a Time to Dance

On March 8, 1986, Vivian entered a season of union, marrying the late Pastor Nimr Mahdi. As a child, she attended Thee Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Milford, Texas, and when her late husband was called to pastor there, she served in her first role as First Lady. Together, Vivian and Pastor Mahdi "built up" a spiritual legacy, founding Cornerstone Unity Non-Denominational Church in Forreston, Texas in 1992. As a devoted First Lady, Vivian’s life was a testament to "a time to embrace," as she held various roles within the church and served the congregation of Cornerstone Unity Non-Denominational Church with a faithful heart.

A Time to Weep and a Time to Mourn

The scripture reminds us there is "a time to lose." Vivian was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, Pastor Nimr Mahdi; her granddaughter, Jasmine Brooks; her brother, Grady Walker; and her sisters, Cecilia “Lee Lee” Clemons and Sharon “Dee” Perkins.

A Time to Keep and a Time to Cherish

Though her earthly season has ended, her memory is "kept" in the hearts of those she loved. She leaves behind a rich harvest of family:

Her Sons: Kevan Brooks, Tagen Brooks (Anissa), Tory Brooks, and Rashad Mahdi (Chassidy).

Her Legacy: 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Her Siblings: (Sisters) Vera East, Gloria Pendleton, and Barbara Smith; (Brothers) Robert Walker, Richard Perkins Sr., Terrance Perkins, Keith Perkins (Shannon), Dennis Perkins Sr. (Debra), Johnny Walker, and Neal Olen Perkins (Angie).

Her Extended Family: Debbie, Sebastian, Simeon, Sierra, and Tony.

Her Community: a special friend, Phillip Crenshaw; an extended family of 6; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who reflect the light she shared.

“So I concluded there is nothing better than to rejoice and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.” Vivian Ann Mahdi rejoiced in her Lord, did good for her family, and has now entered her eternal season of rest.