Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 17, 1936
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Age:
88 years old

Vivien O Johnson

Vivien Inez Oden-Johnson was the daughter of the late Henry Hoyt Oden and Margaret Burr Oden was born May 17, 1936, in Beaufort, NC and departed this life February 23, 2025 in Charlotte North Carolina at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

She grew up in Beaufort, NC where she attended Queen Street Elementary and High school.  While living with her brother and his wife she attended Junior High School in Yonkers, New York.  Vivien attended the following colleges: Winston Salem State University, Columbia University, The State University of New York, Winona State and the University of Minnesota.  While in college she participated in various sports and clubs.

In her early years, she attended Saint Stephens Congregational Church in Beaufort, NC.  On August 30, 1965, Vivien was united in marriage to Edward Paul Johnson in Yonkers, NY.  On May 4, 1968, she was confirmed in The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.  In 1974 she and Edward were received at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church where they were both active members for over 40 years.  After Edward’s death, Vivien relocated to Durham NC in 2017.  While at Saint Luke’s she was a hostess at Maple Manor, a member of the Study Group, Pastoral Service, Altar Guild, Parish Friend, Vestry, Usher, Stewardship and Finance Commission, chaired the Stewardship Drive, chaired National Night Out, did Reach High, Worship Committee and other services.

Vivien had a very distinguished career as an educator.  She was employed at various Private and public institutions, Head Teacher in Daycare, New York Public Schools as a Supervisor and fourth and sixth grade teacher and State University of New York in Migrant Education and Programs for Early Childhood Education.  She was hired into the Rochester Public School System in August 1975 as an elementary teacher and later as an Elementary Principal.  She retired in June 1994.

Vivien and Edward were world travelled visiting many countries including Australia, Switzerland, Spain and Europe to name a few.  Before retirement, she was active in the NAACP as a board member.  She was on the Board of Head Start in Toledo, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Beta Kappa, Rochester Teachers’ Association and Board member of various other Organizations.

After retirement she was active in Rochester Family Service where she was on various committees and also served as President.  She participated in Saint Luke’s Kid’s Hope, Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Twenty First Century Partnership, Advisory Board of First Steps, Fairway Ridge Co-op on committees and as President, and Black Data Process Associates.

Vivien leaves to cherish her memories, a host of nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins, special friend Donald McCoy and many other friends.  Five sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 1884 22^nd Street NW, Rochester MN 55901

Rochester Boys and girls Club 1026 East Center Street, Rochester MN 55904