In Loving Memory of
Vivian Gittens
February 26, 1932 – November 19, 2020
Virtual Celebration of Life Gathering was held February 26, 2021 at 2:30 PM EST
Vivian L. Gittens was born on February 26, 1932 to Edward Armstrong and Vivian Sawyer. She departed this life on November 16, 2020 at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey. She was cremated at the Rosedale Cemetery in Montclair Township.
Vivian lived a full and meaningful life.
She grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended Bushwick High School. Vivian married Neville O. Gittens, Jr. in Brooklyn on July 12, 1952. They were not only a loving husband and wife, but also friends who shared a joyous and beautiful life together for over 70 years. Vivian and Neville lived at 228 Clairmont Terrace in Orange, New Jersey for 32 years.
Vivian was a devoted mother to her children: Cheryle Gittens-Bailey, educator and founder of a global institute, and Neville Gittens III, deceased, retired lieutenant and spokesperson for the San Francisco Police department. Vivian inspired her family to overcome societal challenges, and successfully modeled the discipline, values and traits required for excellence.
In her work life, she held administrative positions throughout her career at JCPenny and the Standard Oil Corporation, then known as ESSO now known as EXXON. She worked as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration for over 32 years, and retired from that position in 1981.
Her love of learning led her to pursue and receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the Brooklyn College in New York on June 12, 1979, at the age of 47; and to earn a certificate as a Master Gardner from Rutgers University.
Vivian was a talented soprano who sang opera, played the piano and loved music. She was a member of the New Jersey Symphony Choir and the Elmwood United Presbyterian Choir, where she also served as a deacon. She traveled throughout America and the world to several countries in the Caribbean, Europe and North Africa. She always accompanied her husband and children to the endless special events, conferences, and celebrations that marked her family’s lives. All anyone had to say was “Do you want to go… ?;” and she would say yes before you could complete the sentence.
Vivian was a positive woman who was always enthusiastic, loving and adored by many. She was admired for her sense of beauty. She expressed this love in everything that she did.
Vivian patronized the arts, played contract bridge, was an avid gardener, interior decorator and swimmer. She was an excellent cook and loved dining at fine restaurants. She also belonged to clubs and routinely attended many social affairs like the Ebony Fashion Fair, the Beaux Art Ball, Standard Oil Club of Jersey Art, Brooklyn Reunion and Edges, countless other professional clubs that served a higher purpose to uplift others.
Vivian is reunited with previously departed parents Edward and Vivian, her son Neville, and sister Millicent Patrick. Vivian is survived by her husband Neville Jr., her daughter Cheryle and son-in-law George F. Bailey, his three children and grandchildren; brother-in- law Guy Lee; aunt Sybil Daniels, many cousins here and overseas. Although her presence will be missed, her kind and passionate spirit will never be forgotten and will be memorialized forever in the hearts of those who love her deeply.
Lovingly submitted, The Family
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Gittens Family,
Vivian warm spirit and thoughtfulness shined bright with me. I felt that her great spirit and giving heart would be a great addition to the Elmwood Family Deacon Board. With her permission I nominated her to that position and she was quickly accepted by the Nomination Committee. They saw in her what others like I saw.. I enjoyed working with her during my time at the Elmwood Presbyterian Church..
Rest in Peace!
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I remember the memorable time we spent in St Martin. You were full of fun and energy. Rest In Peace. A life well lived
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My deepest sympathies to the Gittens and Bailey families
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My deepest condolences. I enjoyed every moment with you. I will cherish the time forever.
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I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. G some 35 years ago. An absolutely lovely and inspiring couple.
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My condolences to the Gittens and Bailey families. Vivian was a quiet and loving person. We visited many musical events together. I will miss her deeply.
Rest in Paradise..
Love,
Delores Cushnie
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My deepest condolences to Neville, Cheryle and Family. I was blessed to have served on Elmwood United Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons with Vivian. She was always very caring, fun and lively and I enjoyed just being in her presence. She will be missed. Elder Roxanne Burrus
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Dear Neville and family, there are no words to express the gratitude to have shared Ms. G. in our lives. She was truly a classy woman and I appreciate the words of wisdom she shared throughout the years. She is definitely loved and will be missed! I pray that warm memories will strengthen your heart and grace your lips with a smile. Keeping your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, Ruthy.
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We are a part of Mrs. Vivian Gittens West Cast family. We met “Ma and Pa” Gittens through their son Neville. Mrs. “G”, as she was affectionally called, was a well-educated woman who could hold conversations about various topics.
Vivian had a great spirit and was a very patient and loving person. We had the opportunity to vacation with “Mom & Pops” Gittens in Hawaii .
During our stay all of the ladies on the trip decided to get tattoos.
Mrs. “G” was the first to agree and went to the tattoo shop and knew exactly what tattoo she wanted.
Mrs.”G” was a great wife, loving mother and and exceptional friend who will be missed by her West Coast family.
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Neville and Cheryle and family,
Remembering the good times we shared in days gone by and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today.
With love,
Betty
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Dear Cheryle,
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. I only met her a few times, but she seemed like a lovely woman, and she has definitely raised a great daughter! We treasure your friendship and want you to know you can count on us at this difficult time.
Best,
The Peal family
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Mr. G,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear of Mrs. G’s passing. I pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through this. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love always,
Erica
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Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother, Vivian.
May her memories live on forever in your heart and the her love forever in your soul.
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I worked with and have been friends with Neville for many years and therefore had the great pleasure of meeting and spending time with Vivian at many Exxon gatherings. While Neville was the jokester and loved to share stories with friends, Vivian was the ultimate lady of class and grace.
Vivian’ passing was indeed sad news. Neville and Vivian were a special blend of two lives, two hearts and two different personalities blending together to spend of lifetime of love together. My deepest sympathy to all the family and please be assured that Vivian will remain in my prayers.
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Our heartfelt condolences on the loss Mrs. Vivian Gittens. And offering continual prayers of comfort. Sincerely, Celeste & Steven Chatman (Gainesville, VA)
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Dear Mr. Gittens,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Words alone cannot fill the void of losing a loved one, yet alone a soulmate. I know God does not make mistakes and you are a man of faith. Therefore, I know as difficult as this may be, you know Mrs. Gittens was called for a higher purpose. This world was blessed to have received her angelic gift, and we are thankful you shared her with the rest of us. For that reason, I say rest assure for you’re not alone. You will be comforted and cared for; far and near, her presence will forever be with you. And we will be here for you as you have always been for us.
Love you Mr. G
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My memories of Vivian are all so many. Always with a warm smile and kind words. My husband, Larry and Neville worked for Exxon. It was a blessing to have known her. I speak for the Cantwell family in saying that we all love her very much!!
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I met Vivian and Neville through their son, Neville. I always considered them my 2nd set of parents and love them very much. Vivian had a great laugh and I feel blessed to have known her.
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Carl and I were privileged and honored to be friends of Vivian and Neville Gittens through our friendship via Exxon and the New Jersey community. We will miss Vivian’s warmness, her annual Christmas Greetings and wisdom always displayed in conversation. God Bless Vivian, Neville and the Family.
Carl E. Lee and Caroline Lynnie Godfrey Lee
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Vivian Givens was vivacious, intelligent and gracious. She will be missed.
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We have special memories of Vivian at Elmwood Presbyterian Church. Vivian’s warm smiles and encouraging words always meant so much to us. We will miss her. Sending our love and prayers to the family. Bill and Sharon Brown
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One of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. While she was here, Mrs. G was definitely an angel among us all. My love, positive thoughts, and prayers to G (Neville), Cheryle, and the rest of the family.
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Our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of loss. We hope you can find reassurance in the care of your friends, and allow the loving memories you have of Vivian to help you through this time.
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You have my deepest sympathy and may your memories of Mrs. Gittens’ full life bring you comfort.