Vivian Combs Bowser Jordan was born February 3, 1939 in Washington County. She was the daughter of the late Robert L. Combs and Rebecca Downing Combs. She departed this life on November 20, 2015 at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC.

"Retta" as she was affectionately known was educated in the public schools of Washington County. She graduated from Washington County Union School in 1957 as Valedictorian. She furthered her education and received her Bachelors Degree in Library Science.

She was employed with TranSouth Mortgage Company in Chesapeake, VA as a Loan Officer for twenty-three years. She returned home to care for her mother in 1995. In 1996 she became employed with Feyer Ford Company and shortly thereafter she became employed as a Media Coordinator Assistant with Pines Elementary School for fourteen years. She retired in 2011.

She was a member of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Virginia Beach, VA., under the pastoralship of Rev. Henry E. Jefferson. Upon returning home, she joined New Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Harry L. White, Jr. She loved her church and church family. She was a dedicated and faithful member until her health began to fail.

Vivian met and married Deacon Shelton Jordan on October 23, 1997. They just celebrated eighteen years of marriage.

Vivian wore many hats within the church and community. Her attributes were Chairperson of Board of Trustees, Pastor's Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Past President/ Asst. President of New Chapel Senior Choir, Member of the Kitchen Committee, Albemarle Union Executive Board, Albemarle Union Food Bank Chairperson for New Chapel Church, Member of Missionary Association, Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Field Worker and Choir Member, Washington County Board of Elections Chief Judge, Media Assistant Pines Elementary School, member of Washington County Retired Teachers Association.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of the home- Deacon Shelton D. Jordan; sons- Reggie Combs- Atlanta, GA., Benjamin Bowser III, (Shena)- Charlotte, NC.; stepsons- Shelton A. Jordan (June)- Plymouth, NC., Gregory Jordan- Plymouth, NC., Jeff J. Jordan- Plymouth, NC., Elton Ray Jordan- Sicklerville, NJ.; stepdaughters- Betty Owens- Plymouth, NC., Geraldine Carter- Raleigh, NC., Lorraine Jordan- Baltimore, MD., Van Jackson (Phillip)- Mount Laurel, NJ., Sally Gray- Plymouth, NC.,; brother- Robert L. Combs, Jr. (Mary)- Chesapeake, VA.; sister- Roberta Combs Jones-Lawrenceville, GA.; a granddaughter that she thought of as a daughter- Latoria Worlds- Virginia Beach, VA., and great grandchildren she cherished- Jalen and Jada Worlds- Virginia Beach, VA., grandchildren- Kenon amd Malja,; great granddaughter- Princess,; grand-dog named Sparky,; 38 step-grandchildren, 43 step-great grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley D. Gourdine.

Funeral services were 1:00PM Wednesday November 25, 2015 at New Chapel Missionary Church with Rev. Harry White, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in Ellis Lee Cemetery.