Victoria Eloise Primus

Victoria was born on May 8, 1945 in Fort Myers, Florida to Josephine and Jeremiah Primus. She was the second of four children; raised by her parents who were educators.

Fort Myers, is a quaint little town in Southwest Florida, famous for being the home of Thomas Edison, white-sand beaches and majestic royal palms. It was also a magnet for tourists, but was not a place of much opportunity for it’s African-American population, relegated to a certain section of town that was literally, separated by a railroad track.

Being surrounded and impacted by the realities of the social order in the 50’s and 60’s was not a road-block or deterrent for success for the Primus family. Victoria’s parents were strong advocates for the value of an education. Her father was a school principal and her mother, delayed her own ambitions until all the children graduated from college, obtaining her own degree in elementary education. Victoria’s childhood was filled with wonderful memories because of a strong family foundation, guided by faith and a tight-knit community.

Growing up, Victoria participated in many school and church activities. She sang in the Glee Club. She was an excellent pianist, and she played for the Sunday school throughout her teenage years. Many things centered on education. Victoria’s parents would take she and her siblings on day trips throughout Florida in the summer months. They visited many sights such as Lake Wales, Silver Springs, Key West and many more places. It was a fun way to broaden their knowledge.

Everything wasn’t about education, sometimes it was just for plain ole fun. Another family tradition was going to the Dairy Queen after church service to get ice cream. Victoria and her siblings grew up playing games, going to the movies, riding bikes, going to the beach, all-American activities.

But “fun” for Victoria always included some kind of scholarly pursuit. She was an avid reader. She didn’t play with her dolls and make up stories like her sisters. Instead, she enjoyed the stories in her books - wonderful places of adventure, curiosity and different people.

Victoria attended Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Florida graduating in the class of 1963. She attended Tuskegee University earning a Bachelor Degree in Sociology in 1967. She also attended Indiana University and received a Master’s in Business Administration in 1974. Victoria was a professional on the executive level at several corporations such as Bendix, Merrill Lynch, American International Group and several others. She had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the world such as Switzerland, Japan, Guam, and different parts of the United States.

As an adult Victoria lived a full life. But there was clearly more that she sought in life - something more than the material rewards.

In 1982, Victoria was working in corporate finance in Geneva, Switzerland, when one of her colleagues, who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, began speaking to her about Bible truths. At that time Victoria could only attend a French language congregation and she was not fluent in French, yet she had so many questions about what she was learning. She was shortly thereafter introduced to an English speaking brother, from England, and his wife, who patiently studied the Bible with her. Victoria loved what she was learning about Jehovah God and Bible truths so much that she studied frequently and diligently. On April 2, 1982 Victoria publicly dedicated her life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses by water baptism in Montreux, Switzerland. Although she was not proficient with the language she never missed a meeting.

Later that same year Victoria’s work moved her to Japan where she was able to attend an English language group near the Ebina Bethel facility. This made her very happy. There she met and worked diligently in the ministry with missionary friends that she says taught her how to be firm in the truth and how to have a close relationship with Jehovah.

After one year, Victoria left Japan for Guam, where she began to regular auxiliary pioneer. Later she returned to the United States with the goals of becoming a regular pioneer and also to return to Switzerland to assist with the development of an English language congregation. She reached both of the goals, while working in Washington, DC Victoria began regular pioneering, soon thereafter she returned to Geneva to serve where there was a great need. She preached to people in numerous languages (French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese) working diligently to find English speaking people and teach them God’s good news. In time, the first English language congregation was formed in Geneva.

Eventually, Victoria returned back to the United States, this time with the goal of becoming a commuter volunteer at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. During her many years of faithful full time service, Victoria was blessed with the privilege to attend Pioneer Service School four times. She said that each time provided her with different means of encouragement that she needed to remain spiritually strong, propped up for the goals that she had set, and it reinforced her to be up-building and helpful to others. Victoria also enjoyed the privilege of being a delegate at four International Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Those who were close to Victoria knew her as adventurous and zealous in preaching the good news to people everywhere. She gave her all to Jehovah. She encouraged young and older ones to do the same. She inspired some to begin their full time ministry, sitting down with a calendar and assisting them in finding the necessary time to give to Jehovah. She instilled courage into many of the publishers that she worked with, reminding them that what may seem to be obstacles preventing them from full-time service is not an obstacle for Jehovah. She would recommend being specific with prayers, when it involves doing Jehovah’s will, and then leave it to Him to work it out. Victoria lived by this. What she wanted, she asked for, and Jehovah, in his generosity, made sure she got it!

In more recent years, Victoria lived in New York where she continued to be a fine example in the Warwick and Long Meadow Congregations. Her determination to serve Jehovah was surely to be imitated.

In 2019 Victoria’s goal and dream was finally realized as she was invited to be a Bethel consultant in Warwick, NY at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Victoria lived a rich, full and satisfying life in her service to Jehovah. Victoria was a kindhearted person who gave all of herself to make sure that those around her received loving care. For this we all love her, and we are looking forward to sharing more memorable times when she awakens.

Hebrews 6:10 - “For God is not unrighteous so as to forget the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.”

Victoria’s loving memory will forever be cherished by her brother and sisters: Jeremiah Primus, Jr, (Charlie Mae, deceased),Leesburg, FL; Carolyn Primus Jackson (Slater), Atlanta, GA; Maria Primus Mitchell (Patrick), Tampa,FL. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and family friends who will miss her dearly. Along with a worldwide brotherhood.