Dr. Vivian Romona Dean Barnette,61, departed this life on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Moses Cone
Hospital surrounded by close family and loved ones. She was born July 31,1963, to the late James Watson
Dean and the late Inez Arnold Dean of Sanford, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by one
brother Timothy Von Dean.

Vivian received Christ at an early age. Her love for Christ guided her throughout her life, and she
embraced the role of steward and disciple, not only in her family but also in her broader community.
Vivian led many to Christ, and her influence extended to her church family at St. Peter’s World Outreach
Center (SPWOC), where she became a key figure in nurturing faith and fellowship.

Vivian was a graduate of Lee County Schools in Sanford, North Carolina and continued her education at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. She furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Masters of Science Degree in Agency Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro. Her career spanned various roles where she earned respect for her work ethic and compassion.

After obtaining her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she began her professional career as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of Iowa. Vivian returned to Greensboro in 2004 as the Staff Psychologist and Acting Director at the University of North Carolina Greensboro Counseling and Testing Center. She reconnected with her church home, SPWOC and continued to pursue her passions in both her personal and professional life. She was known for her unwavering faith, dedication to family and service to others.

In 2007, Vivian returned to her alma mater at North Carolina A&T State University as the Executive
Director of Counseling Services. She was an extraordinary visionary leader. Over the years, she built lasting relationships with colleagues, students, and friends, deeply impacting those she encountered.
After her tenure at A&T in 2023, Vivian transitioned to Veteran Affairs as a Staff Psychologist.

Vivian Barnette was a licensed and board certified Psychologist of the the American Board of Professional Psychology. She was a trailblazer in the field of Mental health. Throughout her professional career, she has written several grants and served on various national committees and boards. She is well known in the psychology world for her presentations and publications.

Vivian’s commitment to civic engagement and fellowship is evident through her membership in numerous organizations, such as the American Psychological Association; American College Personnel Association; North Carolina Psychological Association; Association of Black Psychologist; Guilford County Substance Abuse Committee; Association of University and College Counseling Centers Directors; Central Carolina Health Network; The American Red Cross; SPWOC Counseling programs; SPWOC cell ministry; and a Silver Star Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Vivian leaves a cherished legacy to her brother Eric Dean, Sanford, NC., and Jonathan (Debbie) Dean,
Kernersville, NC. One aunt, Markenzie Swann, Swann Station, NC. A motherly bond to her nieces,
Elizabeth Romona Dean, Erica (CJ) Ervin, Ketra Goins, and nephew James Quincy (Kamille) Dean. A
host of great nieces & nephews, friends, and students. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire and positively influence countless lives.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025 1:30pm St. Peters World Outreach Center 3683 Old Lexington Road Winston Salem, North Carolina. Visitation 1pm

Burial will take place Monday, January 13, 2025 12pm Mt. Gur Cemetery 360 Bodenhamer Street Kernersville, North Carolina.