Port Norris Legends

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Rebecca "Vivian" (Dilks) Morris
April 10, 1922 - March 27, 2020

Vivian or “Mama Viv” as she is affectionately known as was born in Millville to Rebecca and Winfield Dilks. In 1938, she married mechanic Edward Morris, Jr., with whom she had two daughters. They moved to Port Norris in 1941, where she joined many organizations, including the Women’s VFW, the Port Norris Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary and the Daughters of America.

Vivian began her work career in the Millville Cotton Mill, where she worked for 11 years. After moving to Port Norris she worked in the fields for John “Froggy” Dagastine where she hoed peppers and bagged onions. She later moved to the platform at Dagastine’s Transfer, counting barrels of oysters as they were loaded onto trucks to be shipped all over the county.

In 1957, she started to work in the Little Red Food Market, Newcomb’s Market, owned by Harry Newcomb. She stayed with Newcomb’s as the store moved to a larger building, where it is today. The store changed owners three times, but Vivian remained a constant for 52 years, until her retirement in 2009. On estimate, she served about 960,000 customers. With her kind and modest manner, Vivian has, for generations, represented what is great about Port Norris.

On November 16, 2008, Vivian Morris was recognized as a Living Legend of Port Norris.

Source: Vivian Morris

Liz Hoffman presenting Vivian with her award.

 

Obituary Rebecca Vivian Morris

April 10, 1922 - March 27, 2020

R. VIVIAN MORRIS 97, of Port Norris died Friday March 27, 2020 at Millville Center. Born in Millville, she was the daughter of the late Winfield and Rebecca Beakley Dilks and the wife of the late Edward Morris. She was a Port Norris resident the past 76 years. 

She worked as a cashier at Newcomb’s Market for 53 years where she was loved by her many customers. She was honored as a Living Legend by the Port Norris Historical Society. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Port Norris, Port Norris Fire Company Auxiliary, Port Norris VFW, and the Daughters of America. She enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners for her family and baking. 
Surviving are her daughters, Joyce Lore (Bob) of Cedarville, Donna Pettit of Millville, sister, Winnie Goss of Millville, 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren. 

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and governor’s order on social gatherings, services will be held privately for the family. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In Memoriam

I'm so sorry for your loss. Bubby and are thinking of you. I remember her paying me in candy or a 1.00 from her pocket to help her bag groceries. Wayne of course wouldnt let me have a job ( I was 5) but grandpop would take me and spend an hour talking to everyone and Viv hired me for that hour to help.
Tiffany Battiata Hickman

My mother and I want to share our thoughts and prayers to your family. We loved Vivian. 
Jane and Susan Bradway

Thinking about you and your family. I will always remember Aunt Viv’s welcoming smile and warm conversations. Love and Prayers Theresa

Loved Aunt Viv’s ornery smile. Would chat with her and she would always say “where you working today”? Loved to watch her hit the keys and make that register sing! Thinking about you all. Love and Prayers Donald Franklin

We believe that everyone in Cumberland Co. who has known Mama Viv, knew her to be the sweetest person around. She was loved by everyone especially by my husband John, who thought the world of her. Vivian was well known for her delicious pound cake, and did not hesitate to give out the recipe. 
Sending the family our love, prayers and deepest sympathy. 
John and Janice Laws

This woman was a joy to know. She worked at 
Newcomb for years. 
My girls knew to behave in the store... 
Vivien would put them in their place in a minute...and 
I loved it..because she did it with love.. 
She always had a kind word when you saw her 
She once told me she and her husband came to the conclusion they would never have children..they were married many years but one day Vivien became with child....she said she and her husband were tearfully elated..and along came her daughter. I believe she said they had been married 16 or 18 years ..then the miraculous birth of their child. And 'lo and behold a 2nd child was born. She said  God gave us our miracles...proving that 
He does things in His time So many stories to be told .. 
Vivien was a friend to everyone,and she was loved for her love for people. A take me as I am... .outspoken yet such a loving,kind and down to earth person. Love you 
Vivien....you were the best of the best. Keep all the other angels in heaven in order Vivien.... 
Love you ..see you again one day.  Shirley Clark

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile and plesant personality. Gods blessings upon your family at this difficult time and may He give you all the peace and comfort that only He can give. Know she is resting in peace
Mr and Mrs Richard and Linda Riley Kelle

Donna, Joyce and families 
I am so sorry to hear of your mom passing. She was a wonderful lady. Many memories of being at your house when we were growing up. Although it is hard to see them go, it is a relief to know they are no longer suffering. Love and prayers to all! Polly Swink