Viva Anne Deaton Saunders (Jones). 82. of Murrells Inlet, S.C., passed away peacefully at her home on October 31. 2025. She was born or November 18, 1942, in Troy, N.C., to Ernest Lee Deaton Sr. and Maddie Viva Deaton of Troy.
Viva is survived by her daughter, Aimee Cochran. and her husband, Daniel; two grandchildren, Christopher Cochran and his wife. Elizabeth of Murrells Inlet. SC Ashley Aldridge and her husband, Jacob, of Denver Colorado.
Viva retired from North Carolina State University as the head of Admissions and was part owner of Cary Art and Frame in Cary, N.C.
She loved taking long walks on the beach, collecting seashells. shark teeth. and sea glass along the way.
A Service of Celebration will be held at 3:00 p.m. or Saturday, November 15, at First Wesleyan Church in Troy, N.C
God bless.