With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Vivian Drusilla (Porter) Buckelew, who
went home to be with the Lord on January 22nd, at the age of 89. She was a devoted
wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great grandmother, who was also a
faithful servant of God.
Funeral service will be Saturday, January 24th, 2026, at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Macedonia Cemetery, Rev. Jacob Watts officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Born on December 22nd, 1936. Vivian was the first born to Chelcha and Emma Porter.
As a young child Vivian was given the nick name of “Pug” by an uncle. From then on
Vivian was referred to as Pug. Pug lived a life grounded in love, faith, and family. She
found joy in the quiet pleasures of life – reading a good book, tending to her garden,
and in her younger years, expressing her creativity through crafting and beautiful flower
arrangements. These talents reflected her gentle spirit and her eye for beauty in all
things.
She shared an extraordinary love story with her husband and soulmate of 72 years,
Claud Wayne Buckelew. Together they enjoyed traveling and building a lifetime of
memories rooted in companionship, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Family was Pug’s greatest joy. She poured her heart into those she loved, always
offering encouragement, wisdom, and a warm, welcoming presence. Her home and
heart were always open.
A longtime and faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Pug lived for her faith
daily through kindness, humility, and service to others. Her walk with Christ was evident
in the way she loved and cared for those around her.
She is survived by son Nicky Wayne (Racheal) Buckelew, Daughter Paula Buckelew
Perry and grandchildren, Veronica (Tim) Wallace, Victoria (Joseph) Pawulak, Jason
(Daisy) Smith, Jeremy (Heather) Buckelew, Sandi (Johnathan) Laher, Lacie Buckelew,
and Sarah Perry, 15 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren and special
adopted daughter Donna Ball Bennett.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband and soulmate of 72 years Claud
Wayne Buckelew, Parents, Chelsea & Emma Porter, Daughter Pamela Ann Buckelew,
Son Randall Lynn Buckelew, Sister Neva “Cricket” Brannon, and Grandchildren Chris
(Carol) Smith, and Rodney Douglas Buckelew.
Visitation will be Saturday the 24th of January.
Pallbearers, John David James, Jeremy Buckelew, Jason Smith, Sean Smith, Jacob
Smith, Colton Buckelew, Karson Buckelew, Lakelan Wallace.
Though deeply missed, Pug’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know her.
