Viviana Grace Anderson “Vivi” [06-24-2026] - [08-29-2026]
Age: 2 months and 5 days
Viviana “Vivi” passed away unexpectedly on August 29th, 2026, at Indian Path Community Hospital. Born on June 24, Vivi was a little fighter from her very first breath; she faced challenges that no baby should ever have to endure. Through surgeries, procedures, setbacks, and long days in the hospital, she continued to show strength that amazed everyone who cared for her. She valiantly battled gastroschisis, possessing a fierce amount of strength and determination that inspired everyone around her. Even during her five-week NICU stay, her nurses would always let us know how feisty she was.
Vivi fought so hard to come home with her Mommy, Gracie Gibson, and Daddy, Reyshawn Anderson. Reyshawn and Gracie dreamed of bringing her through their front door, rocking her in Gracie’s late Nan’s rocking chair and playing with toy piggies in honor of Reyshawn’s late Mamaw, watching her crawl for the first time, feeding her real food for the first time, watching her take her first steps, going to her first day of school, and watching her grow into whatever kind of person she wanted to be.
Vivi was so much more than what she battled. She was happy, beautiful, and feisty and was never afraid to let Mommy and Daddy know that she ran the show, and they were perfectly okay with that. Her parents will never forget her vibrant facial expressions, how much she loved to be held and bounced, and no matter how tired Mommy and Daddy’s arms became, they would keep bouncing her until she drifted off to sleep. They will always remember her sweet little fingers and toes, how much she loved to talk and coo, how she always needed her toy cow for car rides, how she did not like stopping at stop signs or red lights when she was in the car, how she expected her spa bath time every single night, and how a warm bottle had to be on standby when it was time to get out of the bath.
There was nothing in this world that her parents loved more than Vivi and caring for her. Her daddy will forever miss their goodnight cuddles and putting her to sleep every night. Daddy had to be the one to put Vivi to sleep because she found a different kind of calm and comfort in her daddy’s arms. Her mommy will forever miss waking up in the middle of the night for diaper changes, making her baby a bottle of milk, and simply looking into Vivi’s eyes while Vivi looked back at her, as if letting her mom know that she loved her and was thankful for everything she did to care for her.
She is survived by her loving parents, Gracie Gibson and Reyshawn Anderson; her grandparents, Angie Gibson, Brent Gibson, and Melissa Gilliam; her great-grandparents, Fran and Larry Hall and Gilford Gibson; and numerous aunts and uncles, Robbie Gibson, Keyshawn Anderson, Bailey Gibson, Carlos Anderson, Tori Gibson, and Ryan Gibson.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmothers, Mary-Anne Light and Maxine Ratcliff. Her family finds comfort in believing that they welcomed their precious great- granddaughter with open arms and will forever rock her to sleep.
Although Vivi’s time with us was far too short, she faced adversity that some people will never experience in a lifetime. She brought people together, taught us the meaning of courage and showed us a love deeper than words can express. Vivi’s life will not be measured by its length, but by the love she gave and the hearts she changed.
There will be a private graveside service.
The family and friends are asked to meet from 1:00pm – 4:00pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the West End Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 509 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA to celebrate the joy that Viviana brought to each who knew her or prayed for her.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Gracie and Reyshawn’s families during this most difficult time.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.