Nellie Vivian-Irene Caviness

In Loving Memory of Nellie Vivian Irene Caviness

Nell (Barney) Caviness of Detroit, MI was a beacon of love and strength. She touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration. She passed away on March 11, 2024, in Saginaw, Michigan, at the age of 47. She was born on September 30, 1976, in Saginaw, Michigan, to her loving parents Theresa L. Jones and Aubrey Taylor.

Nell shared 31 years of her life with her high school sweetheart, the father of her children and former spouse, Erik Caviness.

She was a devoted mother who desired nothing more than for her daughters, Ashlynn and Erika Caviness of Detroit, MI, to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. Nell instilled in them the same values of perseverance and determination that guided her own remarkable life journey. 

She was known for her warm heart and infectious laughter. She was funny, kind, fun-loving, and incredibly easy-going, making her a joy to be around. Her love for life was contagious, and she cherished every moment spent with her family and friends.

Nell was a devoted friend, with unwavering loyalty and genuine care for those in her inner circle. She cherished the bonds she formed and nurtured them with love and sincerity, creating lifelong connections that enriched her life and the lives of her friends. Her radiant presence and genuine warmth made her a beloved companion, and her friends cherished every moment spent in her company.

Throughout her career as a Professional Civil Engineer, Nell was respected by all who had the privilege of working with her. She was renowned for her brilliant thinking, excellent leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to her profession. Nell shattered many glass ceilings to establish herself as an authority in her profession with keen insight, knowledge, and skill. Nell left an indelible mark on the Detroit, Michigan, traffic infrastructure, on prestigious projects such as the M1 Rail/Q Line in Detroit. Nell had a groundbreaking career in a male-dominated field. Her determination and resilience paved the way for future generations of women of color in engineering.

Nell's academic achievements were just as remarkable as her professional ones. She graduated top of her class at every educational institution she attended, receiving the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence along the way. Nell became a member of Alpha Phi Omega co-ed Fraternity while attending University of Detroit Mercy. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. She went on to obtain a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University, further demonstrating her dedication to her field.

Nell leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Ashlynn and Erika Caviness; siblings: Benita Owolabi Barney of Houston, Texas, Charles Barney of Cleveland, Ohio, Shontrell (Johnnie) Simmons of Saginaw, Michigan, Audrey (Brian) James of Orlando, Florida, Andre (Meagan) Jones of Odenton, Maryland, Elizabeth Jones of Detroit, Michigan, Princeton Jones of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Aubrey D. Taylor (Mitzie Frazier) of Dallas, Texas, Tamara Taylor of Saginaw, Michigan, and Thadeus D. Taylor of Phoenix, Arizona. She also shared a special bond with her step-mother, Helen Taylor, and step-brother, Elton Cole of Saginaw, Michigan. She was adored, favored, and celebrated by her aunts: Kristine Jones of Houston, TX, and Yvette Jones of Saginaw, MI, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of relatives.

Nell's transition to heaven reunited her with her parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles and two siblings: Charlotta Renee Barney and Theodore Michael Lamar Jones; first nephew: Steve Antonio Lawrence Barney, Jr. She now rests in peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her.

Though Nell may no longer walk among us, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.