Vivian M. Buie

On Thursday, June 13, 1958, our Heavenly Father allowed the world to be blessed with the birth of Vivian Marie Murray. (Buie)
For the next fifty-nine years, she would be affectionately known as “China”.
Being the daughter of the late Solomon A. Murray Sr and Vivian A. Gumby Murray, she was surrounded by a huge family and friends throughout Harrisburg PA who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her brothers Michael Howard Murray and Thomas Mitchell Murray Sr.
China formed a bond with her Heavenly Father at an earlier age; worshipping with her grandmother, Pastor Mary N Murray at the Faith Healing Hospital of Jesus (Tabernacle No.1) her salvation was step in place. Upon returning to Harrisburg, she would become a member of Bethel AME Church. China was an active member of both the Stewardess Board and the Choir.  In addition, she also belonged to the Salem Community Mass Choir.
After graduating from John Harris High in 1976, she also became a certified medical coder.
Being the independent person that she was, China knew she had to leave the safety nest of home, and perch herself in Salem New Jersey where she was gainfully employed at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant. It was a tough decision; nevertheless, she was determined to make it.
After many years of being the independent woman that we loved, China’s mothering skills were called upon. She graciously would become the sole caregiver of seven children. That is no easy feat; most would turn their backs. Seeking a better life for the kids and a warmer climate, she relocated to Atlanta Georgia for the next two decades before returning home to her safety nest in Harrisburg PA. During those 20 years, she was employed at Bank of America and at the prosthetic office of Dr. Dixon.
China was a woman like no other; she was a woman of style and class. She was an avid reader; some of her other hobbies include bowling, bingo, playing cards, watching tv, (particularly the Haves and Have Nots and HGTV) and dancing, especially the “Wobble”. She was particularly proud of her beautiful fingernails.
Vivian will surely be missed by many; she is survived by her brothers Richard Lester (Margie), Solomon Murray Jr. (Verna), Steven Paul Murray and her sisters Patricia Copeland, Sandra Corbitt (Earlie) and Angela Murray (Michael). She had a strong bond and admiration for her uncles, Elder Dr. Robert W. Gumby (Bernice), Ronald Gumby Sr., Charles E. Gumby and Elder Dr. John W. Gumby Sr. (Sandra) and godson Julian LeFlore (of Salem New Jersey) and an extensive host of family and friends.  
On Friday, August 25, 2017 at 11:37 am, Vivian Marie “China” Murray-Buie flew her final flight to Glory.