Vivienne T. Murphy, of Plymouth, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Feb. 17, in her home. Born on Sept. 13, 1939, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Frederick Tate and the late Lucille Tate Barber. She was the eldest of their two children.
After graduating from Dillard High School in Goldsboro, she attended A&T College in Greensboro North Carolina for one year.
In September 1958, she married James H. Murphy, and later moved to Massachusetts where they raised their family. She was the loving mother of six children, four sons and two daughters: Howard, Roderic, Vincent, Janice, Dawn, and James Jr.; and the proud grandmother of Sebastian. She was the sister of Gloria Mayfield Tate. She also leaves behind nephews and nieces.
After her children graduated from college, she received her associate of science degree from Northeastern University in 1994. Vivienne worked 28 years AT&T before retiring in 1996.
She became president of the Eunice N. Gray Women’s Missionary Society of Bethel Plymouth. As president, she quietly began to energize the once-inactive organization. In addition to attracting additional missionaries, she quietly became a take-charge missionary. She and her missionaries actively visited the sick and shut-ins: sending “get well” and “birthday cards” to members and friends of Bethel Plymouth, as well as preparing and cooking food for the fellowship hour following service. On more than one occasion, she stayed up all night Saturday night preparing food for Sunday Fellowship. Often, she made herself available to use her car to drive shut-ins to church services and church functions.
In addition, to holding the office of President of the Eunice N. Gray Missionary Society, she sang with the Bethel’s Inspirational Choir, was a member of the Steward Board and the Stewardess Board and acted as a delegate to the Annual Conference on numerous occasions.
Visiting hours will be held in the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home 373 Court St. North Plymouth 02360 (near Cordage Park) on Wednesday, February 28th from 4-7 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 29th at 11:00 am at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Vine Hills Cemetery 102 Samoset St. Plymouth, MA 02360.
If so inspired, instead of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to Bethel AME Church, 6 Sever St, Plymouth, MA 02360. Please indicate “Missionary Society” in the memo line.