Obituary of Vivian Estelle Dorset Solomon

A Woman of Many Names On January 8, 1927, Vivian Estelle Dorset Solomon received the first of the many names she would acquire in her lifetime. The name “Daughter” from her father, the late John Dorset and from her mother, the late Annie Christopher Dorset. She concurrently and subsequently received the name “Sister” of the late Earl Walwyn and the late Karl Dorset. Vivian was also called “Niece” by her many aunts and uncles. Many of Vivian’s family members called St. Kitts, West Indies their home. As a result, she was raised with strong West Indian traditions. Vivian added the name “Student” when she became the first African American female to graduate, at age 16, from Morris High School in the Bronx, NY. She subsequently attended and graduated from Harlem Hospital School of Nursing and Teachers College of Columbia University where she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. She added the name “Professional” while working at Harlem Hospital in Harlem, NY. Vivian worked for over 40 years in various capacities which included, Clinical Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, and Assistant Director of Nursing. In her latter working years she also worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Flushing, NY. Vivian loved the Lord. At an early age, she added the name “Child of God” as she regularly attended church with her family. After she moved to Queens, in 1962, Vivian joined the Hollis Presbyterian Church in Hollis, NY. There she subsequently took on positions of increasing responsibility, most notably Elder and Clerk of Session. She served in these positions with pride and dignity for 50 years. On February 4, 1951, Vivian added “Wife” to her name when she married the late George T. Solomon. She then added the name “Mother” with the birth of her two daughters: the late Karla Martine Solomon Gittens and Karen Solomon Peters. Vivian loved her daughters “to pieces”. She also adored the men in her life and sometimes “lamented” over not having sons. She was thrilled to eventually add the name “Mother-In-Law” with her Sons-in-law: Vincent Gittens and Howard Kevin Peters. Just imagine her joy when she added the names “Mema” and “Grandma” with the birth of her three grandsons: Kraig Howard Peters, Kory George Jerel Gittens, and Kendall Kevin Peters. The name “Avid Traveler” was given to Vivian for most of her adult life. She regularly traveled to the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival every year. She was also an avid cruiser. She experienced numerous cruises with her husband George, as well as with her daughters, grandsons, cousins, church members, friends, neighbors, and Epicurean Club members. Additionally, she traveled internationally to Egypt, Israel, Africa, and Europe. Vivian added the name “Pet Lover” early on in her adult life. She spoke frequently of her and George’s first dog “Blazer”, the boxer. She also allowed her daughters to always have dogs when they were growing up. The dogs’ names were Buttons and Jo-Jo. Her home was a second home to Karla’s dogs, Misty, Mo Dean and Gizmo. However, her most precious four-legged companion was Huey who she loved more than anything. Huey helped her through her grieving period when she lost her daughter Karla in 2018. The name “Native New Yorker” is one that Vivian maintained her entire life. She was so proud of being born and bred in New York City. She made sure everyone who met her was aware of this. Vivian was a talker and avid conversationalist. During her later years after she moved to New Jersey in 2019, she would frequently strike up a conversation with the residents and staff of her Assisted Living Facility as well as her health care providers. She was always sure to let them know that she “WAS NOT” from New Jersey; she just lived here now. Of all Vivian’s many names, her all-encompassing name was “Family Lover”. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband George T. Solomon and daughter Karla Martine Solomon Gittens. Her love, life, and spirit will live on in the hearts of her very devoted daughter Karen Solomon Peters and devoted son-in-law Howard Kevin Peters, son in law Vincent Gittens, grandsons Kraig Howard Peters (Merissa), Kory George Jerel Gittens, and Kendall Kevin Peters (Clare), great granddaughter Keyanni Grace Peters, cousins Alfreda Williams and Jewel Williams Johnson (Lacey), treasured dog, Huey and a host of other relatives and friends. On August 9, 2021, after a valiant struggle with illness, Vivian received her final rest. This woman of many names has been blessed to add one more name. Her name shall be called “Redeemed” by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe” Psalm 107:2 Lovingly submitted, The Family