Vivian L. Duren

Vivian was born on April 1, 1931 in Bryan, TX. She was the daughter of the late Tom and Vera (McGee) Murphy. She graduated from Kemp High School at the age of 17 and proceeded to nursing school at General Hospital in Kansas City, MO, where she graduated as a registered nurse.

Vivian was a trailblazer. A member of the second class of Black nurses to graduate from General Hospital, she began her nursing career after moving from Kansas City to Houston, TX, where she worked at Herman Hospital. She later moved to Bryan, TX, and became the first Black registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Vivian eventually relocated to Dallas, TX, where she continued her career as an RN at Richardson General Hospital. After her service in the hospital, she furthered her work in healthcare serving as the Health Director at McKinney Job Corps Center for over 20 years. During her tenure, she was recognized with several awards and accolades. Those awards included Outstanding Leadership and Service in the Management of the McKinney Job Corps Center in 1979, recognition for Upward Mobility in the same year, the center director’s safety award in 1992, and an award of appreciation in honor of her outstanding and dedicated service to the students of the North Texas Job Corps Center in 1998.

Vivian was creative and enjoyed many hobbies. She lovingly crocheted countless blankets for her family over the years. She also enjoyed sewing and was known to periodically change up her home decor with new curtains she sewed herself and many other DIY projects. She was also a gardener. She maintained beautiful plants and flowers inside and outside of her home. Vivian also designed and made jewelry, working with beads, stones, and metal to make beautiful necklaces and earrings. In addition, she was an enthusiastic collector of All God’s Children figurines.

Vivian was a counselor to many friends and family. She will be remembered for her wisdom and wit. She had a direct way of communicating that people respected. She spoke her mind with honesty and kindness and wanted the best for those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Vera (McGee) Murphy, brother James Thomas (J.T.) Murphy, and sister Tommie Mae Jackson. She leaves to cherish her memories four children Simcha Baht-Israel (Simiel) of Dallas, TX, Loretta Adams of Venus, TX, Glenda Haggerty (Kenneth) of Mesquite, TX, and Columbus Duren of Fort Worth, TX; brother Charles Murphy, Sr. of Frisco, TX; grandchildren Gary Lee (Cherise), Yakub Ben Israel (Asaiah), Sheri Cook (Jeff), Bianca Dansby (Eymone), Natasha Adams, Kenneth B. Haggerty, Patrick Haggerty, Kirsten Nelson, Derreck Lewis, Ashlee Adams, and Amber Haggerty; 23 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at GilGal Assisted Living and Dignity Hospice for the compassion, comfort, and care they provided Vivian

during her final days. Your kindness, patience, and support brought peace not only to her, but to our entire family, and we will always be grateful.