Vivian Harris Ivey

Vivian Harris Ivey was the youngest of six children born to James Harris, Sr., and Nathaniel Whitaker Harris on June 19, 1933 in Nash County, North Carolina. Her five siblings were James, Jr., Josephine, Benjamin, Athena and William.

Vivian spent her early years in the Gold Rock and New Hope communities in Nash County. She attended New Hope Elementary School until the Family moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1947. She then attended Lincoln Elementary School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount in 1952. While living in Rocky Mount, she attended St. James Baptist Church with her parents and siblings.

After graduating from high school, Vivian entered Virginia State College (now University) and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Library science. She later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from Catholic University in 1975.

Vivian and Van Francis Ivey were married on March 23, 1956. To this union, two sons were born: Gerald and Glenn. After the marriage, Vivian and Van attended St. Mark’s AME Church in Rocky Mount. Later, Van and Vivian attended Bethel AME Church in Prince William County, VA. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years in 2009.

Vivian began her library/teaching career in Williamsburg, Virginia. She later taught in Selma, NC, Bethel, NC, and Rocky Mount city schools.

Before moving to Prince William County, the family lived at Hanscom Field Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts from 1959-1964. During that time, Vivian worked in the County school system at Rippon Elementary School, Fred Lynn Middle School, and Potomac Senior High School until she retired in 2000. Her service throughout her career was exemplary.

Vivian was active in her community. She was a member of the National Education Association, the Virginia Education Association and the Price William Educational Association. She was also a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and was one of the early members of the Prince William County Alumni chapter. She was also a life member of the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association.

Vivian is survived by her two sons, Gerald (Sunny) and Glenn (Jolene); six grandchildren, Joanna Busby (Johann), Alexander (Aza), and David (Dana), all of Washington, DC, and Julian of Chapel Oaks, Troy and Aaron of Cheverly, and two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Diana.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Virginia State University at giving.vsu.edu (Class of 1956)