Vivian Earline Roker

Vivian Earlene Roker was born in Concord, North Carolina on September 27, 1927 to Frances and Theodore Woodard. She was the youngest of five daughters: Mary Virginia, Frances, Eliza and Mildred. When Vivian was three years old the Woodard family moved to New York City. Vivian was educated in the New York City School System. As a child growing up in New York Vivian enjoyed riding on "the trolley", trips to the Statue of Liberty and the New York City museums. She also enjoyed the beaches of the South Jersey shore. She loved to sing and dance and often created her own songs as so many of us in recent years can remember. Vivian was a pioneer camper at Camp Minisink located in Dutchess County, New York. She became an avid swimmer and won many swimming badges. While babysitting her niece Chlöe she met John Roker who was employed after school as a shoemaker's apprentice. After that time Chlöe, whenever Vivian babysat, would suggest that they visit the "nice man" at the shoemaker shop. Vivian and John later married. From this union one child Judy Roker-Franklin was born. During the early years of their marriage, while John was away serving his country, Vivian lived in Annapolis, Maryland with her Aunt Robbie and Uncle Arthur McDade Sr., a chef at the U.S. Naval Academy. Vivian acquired much of her skill and knowledge of food preparation while watching Uncle Mac. Uncle Mac loved his niece and was very patient with her many questions. Vivian enjoyed movies and photography. She was excited when hired to work in the dark room at the International Mutoscope Company. This company was a pioneer in early motion picture industry technology. After the closing of this company Vivian went on to work for the City of New York. She spent a brief time at City College and then transferred to Elmhurst Hospital where her career lasted over thirty years. During her years there Vivian was named Hospital Goodwill Ambassador numerous times and also served as a union representative for District 37 Health and Human Services. Vivian was very active in her church and her community. She was a founding member of Brooks Memorial Methodist Church in Jamaica, New York. She served on the Usher Board and the church choir. She was a Brownie Den Mother and also chaperoned Girl Scout camping trips. Her community involvement included the NAACP, the PTA., the Democratic Club and the Central State University Mothers Club. Before John's passing in 1987 Vivian and John enjoyed extensive travel which included trips to the Holy Land, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Vivian went home to her Lord and Savior on February 1, 2017 after an extensive stay at the Sun Terrace Rehabilitation Center in Sun City Center, Florida. Vivian is survived by her daughter Judy Roker-Franklin and her son-in-law David W. Franklin. Other surviving family includes an aunt, Ruby Woodard. Nieces: Barabara Young, Chlöe Solomon, Diana Duggans, Denise Gill, Leslie Pinckney, Miriam Horsford, Adele Roker and Gloria Hood (In-Law). Nephews: Herbert Smith, Esq., Eric Samuels and Rennie Roker and Roscoe Young (In-Law), Cousins: James and Theresa Woodard, Charlotte Lee, Jessie Collins, Shirley Yancey and Mary Grace McDade. Also remaining is a host of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Extended family includes: Larry Stewart, Barbara Thomas, Bettie Williams, Janice Barnes, Carol and Eugene Fleming and Joyce Gainer. The family would like to give a special thank you to the management and staff of the Sun Terrace Rehabilitation Center.