On October 15, 1943, Vivian Tobin was born in New York City, to the late Alfred H. Tobin, Jr. and Hattie Holman Tobin. Instilled at a young age, her parents grounded her in her faith and taught her to love freely, laugh loudly and always be kind to others.  The philosophy was embraced and embodied throughout her lifetime.  VIVIAN TOBIN-ALSTON was a FREE SPIRIT!

Vivian Tobin attended Barnwell County Schools and Macedonia High School.  She was a cheerleader, a Glee club member, and a member of the basketball team. Vivian served as Senior Class president and was the valedictorian of her graduating class of 1960. Vivian attended South Carolina State College (University) after graduating from high school.

The foundation of faith and service was established at an early age by her parents.  Her parents and the close-knit, nurturing environment were instrumental in her dedication and commitment to community and service.  She joined Bethany Baptist Church, Ashleigh Station at the age of 10.  While residing in New Jersey, she was affiliated with Shiloh Baptist Church, Manasquan, NJ.   Upon returning to Blackville, Vivian became an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where her paternal grandparents were members.

Ms. Tobin-Alston held several positions in various fields, which included bookkeeping, police dispatching and several miscellaneous positions. Most notable, was her employment by Verizon Communications for over 30 years until she retired in 2001. Vivian returned to her "happy place" of Blackville, South Carolina in 2002.  Vivian continued to spend time in New Jersey part-time to care for ALL of her family, while Blackville was her primary residence.

While residing in New Jersey, Ms. Tobin-Alston was an active member of the Long Branch NJ NAACP Chapter, where she served for several years as Secretary and Hospitality Chairperson. In these capacities, she played a key role in coordinating holiday meals for underserved residents of the Long Branch community. In recognition of her exceptional commitment and service, she received the Special Service Award in 1993 for "Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Long Branch NJ Chapter NAACP".

Upon returning to Blackville, Ms. Tobin-Alston has maintained her dedication to community service by participating in numerous organizations throughout Blackville and Barnwell Counties. Her roles have included involvement with the Blackville Area Historical Society, Blackville Civic Club, Blackville Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Thoroughbred County Tourism Board (SCPRT), Blackville Downtown Development Association (BDDA), Macedonia Environmental and Academic Tutorial Program, Barnwell County Hospital Board, Friends of South Carolina Library (FOSCL), Blackville Town Council (several years as Mayor Pro Tempore), Friends of the Library (Barnwell County), Barnwell County YMCA, and Blackville-Hilda Booster Club. Additionally, she is a member of the Barnwell-Blackville NAACP, Barnwell Democratic Club, and Barnwell County Arts Council.

In 2012, Vivian founded the "Snack Pack Program," which supplies meals for students at Macedonia Elementary School to take home over the weekends.

Vivian also initiated the Blackville Community Vegetable Garden and the addition of two Blessing Boxes in town, several years ago.

Until 2023, Ms. Tobin-Alston has served as the editor and publisher of the "Blackville Community Newsletter", an e-publication which was distributed throughout Blackville.

Throughout her years of service, Vivian received several community awards:
·       2009-Denmark Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., "In Recognition of Outstanding Leadership and Distinguished Community Service to The Tri-County Area".

·       2009 – Barnwell County Hospital Trustee Board – Award "Honor and Deep Appreciation for the Faithful, Devoted and Service Given to the Barnwell County Hospital".

·       2010 Together Sisters Club – Certification of Appreciation

·       2011 – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Tau Omega Chapter – "Salute to Phenomenal Women Award"

·       2016 – Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce - "Community Service Award"

During the COVID pandemic, Vivian had a growing concern about community members who lacked food security.  Many also lacked transportation to the Food Bank Distribution Sites.  She made the personal commitment to remedy this problem by picking up and delivering Food Boxes to the greater Blackville Community.  The work continues through her fellow servant friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents and a very special sister, Rivana Sanders Davis.

Those left to cherish loving memories of Ms. Vivian Tobin-Alston are her three children, Robin R. Alston-Santiago (Miguel), Maria Alston-Taylor and Roger Alfred Alston; her grandchildren, Cassandra Santiago-Minervini (John), Mia S. Alston, Katrina Santiago (Miayah), and Lea Alston; her great-grandchildren, Elias Carter White and Jace Efrain Wolf; brothers and sisters, Walter and Bernice Tobin, Darnell and Dawn Alston and Maude Galloway; her loving cousin, Juliette White-Byrd (who was more like a sister to her); a special friend, Margaret Anderson Roberts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends too numerous to name.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the "Snack Pack Program of Blackville" or the" Blackville Community Garden Fund".  Donations are payable to the Town of Blackville, 5983 Lartigue Street, Blackville, SC 29817 (In Loving Memory of Vivian Alston).