November 14, 1943 – April 8, 2024
BUXTON — Vivian Robinson Gray peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of April 8, 2024, at her home in Buxton, NC, with her husband, Charles, by her side.
Vivian was a native daughter of Hatteras Island. She was born on November 14, 1943, to Vivian Eliza and Dennis Tremel Robinson, in Hatteras village. Excluding several wonderful post-retirement years she and Charles spent in North Fort Myers, Florida, Cape Hatteras was home to her heart – her family, her church, and her community.
Vivian was a 1962 graduate of Cape Hatteras School and ultimately pursued her degree in education from Elizabeth City State College. As an educator and advisor to the students of Cape Hatteras School, “Ms. V”’s commitment to her students was remarkable. She nurtured, encouraged, challenged and loved “her kids” for the entirety of her twenty-seven years of teaching.
Vivian’s life was bursting with enthusiasm, both bold and beautiful. There was no doubt about the depths of her powerful faith in the Lord or her love of her husband, family, and friends. She found great pleasure in collecting shells while strolling the beaches, traveling, cherishing time spent with her family and dear friends, volunteering in her community, and was an avid UNC Tar Heel supporter. She attended St. John’s Methodist Church, in Avon, NC, and was a long-standing member of Buxton United Methodist Church in Buxton, NC.
During her journey through life, she was preceded in death by her only child, her daughter, Carole Denise Gray; her parents, Eliza and Dennis Robinson; her niece, Jennifer L. Gray; her mother in-law, Winnie W. Gray and father-in-law, Thomas B. Gray Sr.; her nephew, Stephen Hickman; her brother-in-law, Thomas Gray Jr. and her brother, Dennis “Sam” Robinson.
Vivian is survived by her loving husband of forty-seven years, Charles L. Gray; brother, Lyle A. Robinson, (Patti); sister-in-laws, Mary T. Robinson and Nancy O. Gray; nieces, Amy G. Davis (Brent), Angie R. Fairbanks (Jeremy), Carinne R. Hickman, Heather G. Jennette (Leo); nephews, Jack Gray, Ernie Robinson, Dennis Robinson, and T.C. Gray; three grandnieces and five grandnephews, as well as extended family and friends.
A memorial service, celebrating of Vivian’s life, will be at 1 o’clock p.m. on April 27, 2024, at Buxton United Methodist Church, 48221 Buxton Back Rd, Buxton, NC 27920.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, PO Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27920, honoring Vivian’s memory.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at TwifordFH.com.
