Vivian T. Middleton

Vivian Theresa Middleton, the daughter of the late James L. and Doris Mae Baker, was born on June 25, 1948 in Suffolk, Virginia. On Sunday, March 29th, 2020, she slipped quietly away from us and into eternal rest with the Lord in Valley Stream, New York. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers Harlen and Wendale Baker. After her early years, Vivian attended John F. Kennedy High School in Suffolk, V.A. Immediately thereafter she attended business school where she took typing, long hand and short hand. One in a line of ten brothers and sisters, she was quiet and shy. Her eldest sister, (Dot), would jokingly refer to her as “Chib” which was an insider big sister to younger sister joke. Vivian was known just as “Vivian” to many, but her family knew her also, very affectionately, as “Theresa.” Shortly after high school she moved to New York City for work where she met Sam Bobby Middleton – the love of her life – whilst they were in their early twenties. Sam and Vivian were joined in Holy Matrimony on November 10th, 1973 at Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem and had a grand family reception in Sam’s eldest sister’s backyard in the Bronx. Many of Bob and Theresa’s family traveled to NYC for the wedding - - which wasn’t surprising - - as family is everything to them both! After moving to New York, she would land her first job at New York University (NYU), (where she met Sam). She worked for NYU and then Fairchild Publications (where she began a long-standing career), before Fairchild publications became the advertising conglomerate of Conde Nast. She retired from Conde Nast in recent years with honors and commendation for her exemplary work over the years. She and Sam continued to live in the Bronx for a short time – while she commuted into Manhattan for work daily, but they soon made their way to their 2nd apartment in Flushing, Queens. As the years and their careers progressed, Vivian and Sam bought their beautiful home together in Laurelton, Queens. Vivian was ABSOLUTELY devoted to God, her marriage, and her family. She was also very compassionate and giving whether it was of her time, money or love. Her favorite seasons were the Fall and the Winter, but her favorite holiday was certainly Christmas. She enjoyed the idea of Christmas programs and Christmas caroling. She enjoyed church and flowers and she and her beloved Sam loved to take bike rides and long drives together. She was also the best one at Thanksgiving to get the collard greens together! No one took care of the greens but her, but only the prepping of the greens! She also did object to certain narrow bridges and tight areas (she was a bit claustrophobic), and she would often get on Bob for driving too fast! Committed wholly to her family, in earlier times, Vivian traveled to Long Island faithfully – as often as she could – to spend time with her sister Lois and brother-in-law Tommy before they moved back to Midlothian, Virginia. She was enamored with their one and only daughter, Elisha, her dear niece and confidant. When Elisha bore her own first child, Amani, “Aunt Reesa” was right there in the hospital and affectionately dubbed Amani “Boo Girl.” Aunt Reesa maintained a special closeness with Elisha and Amani throughout their lives and loved them as her own children. Aunt Theresa loved the Lord! As such, she was a faithful member to her church, Bethel Gospel Tabernacle on Guy Brewer Boulevard in Queens, New York. She was on the usher board and loved serving the church and her church family where she served cheerfully until her untimely illness. When not in church, she could be spotted anywhere as ½ of the loving and sweet duo: “Bob and Theresa.” It has been said that they weren’t two peas in a pod, but rather “two peas sharing the same SPACE reserved for one single pea.” Vivian Theresa was humble and generous. She LOVED to laugh, spend time with family and serve the Lord. She loved and supported her family immensely and helped anyone in need. Her siblings, nieces and nephews in Virginia were everything to her. She traveled to be with them in Virginia every chance she could, and their well-being and safety was of utmost importance to her. When any of her family hurt, she hurt, and she wanted nothing more for them to be safe, happy and well taken care of. Vivian Theresa leaves to cherish her memory her loving and faithful husband: Sam Bobby Middleton; three sisters: Doris Lean Baker, Disputantia, VA; Ellen Delores Lowe (Tommy), Midlothian, VA and Bertha Mae Milligan, Brooklyn, NY; four brothers: Larry Baker (Vanessa), Hampton, VA; Lonnie Nichols - Hampton, VA; Cornell Baker (Thelma, previously deceased) Hampton, VA; Michael Baker, Suffolk, VA; two sisters-in-law: Sinobia “Shug” Middleton Gilliard (Frankie, previously deceased), Bronx NY; Wilhelmena Middleton, Bonneau, SC; Roy Middleton (Camilla); Leon “Joe” Middleton (Carol) and Julius Middleton (Rosa Ann). A beloved Auntie, “Aunt Reesa” or “Aunt T” is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her Bethel Gospel Tabernacle Family and special neighbors. Our Vivian Theresa was a very special, loving, funny, caring, faithful wife, daughter, sister, beloved Auntie and dear friend. A gentle woman of God, her hugs were sweet and reassuring, and her words were always full of grace, kindness and encouragement. We are heartbroken at her sudden leaving, but we know that she is at rest....and that God loves her best! She was adored by her whole family and she can never be replaced! Vivian will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery April 23, 2020. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vivian T. Middleton, please visit our flower store.