January 10, 2026, 89, Goldsboro – Beloved and cherished Mami-Mama V, Vicki Wiki, Abuela Tory, sister, aunt, and friend, Victoria “Tory” Rivas Ramos went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Goldsboro Worship Center in Goldsboro followed by a service to celebrate her life at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Danny Johnson officiating. Interment will be with her husband in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery.
Victoria was born on April 15, 1936, in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, one of nine children born to the late Jose Rivas Santana and Francisca “Panchita” Perez Fontanez. She dedicated many years of faithful service as a secretary with the University of Puerto Rico, Fondo Seguro del Estado, and the Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses (AMA).
Her greatest and most cherished accomplishment was raising her children in the admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ and lovingly caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she affectionately called “Los Wichitos.” Her home was filled with prayer, love, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
In addition to her parents, Victoria was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 35 years, Oscar Ramos Garcia; her siblings Jose Manuel Rivas, Enrique Rivas, Abraham Rivas, Hiran Rivas, Lydia Rivas, Luz Otilia “Tila” Rivas, and Francisca “Paquita” Vazquez; and her beloved granddaughter, Rebecca Ramos.
Victoria’s legacy of faith began with her mother, Panchita, and took root early in her life. From her teenage years forward, she was a faithful prayer warrior and choir member who walked courageously with the Lord. Obedient to God’s calling, at the age of 38—and with four children in tow—she relocated from Puerto Rico to New Jersey and New York. She often reflected on the promise found in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you,” recounting God’s faithfulness as she crossed the ocean and throughout every season of her life.
Abuela delighted in time spent with family, especially doting on her grandchildren. Holidays were treasured, and her Christmas cooking—especially pasteles and arroz con gandules—was eagerly anticipated and joyfully shared. Victoria also loved baseball and was a devoted New York Yankees fan, faithfully discussing scores and statistics with her son, Oscar. She enjoyed puzzles, Chinese Checkers, and the game Trouble, always playing with a competitive spirit—though she lovingly admitted she had met her match in her son Michael.
Victoria lived under the loving care of her daughters, spending many years in Ohio with Lissie and Shawn, and later in North Carolina with Nayda and Michael. Though she didn’t enjoy surprises, she treasured unexpected visits from her daughter Dorcas, including an extended stay in Ohio during caregiving seasons. Through her daughters’ love of travel, Victoria was blessed to visit many states and countries, including living in England. Among her most treasured journeys were a pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey and walking the streets of Jerusalem. Today, she is walking the streets of gold, hand in hand with her Savior.
Mama V’s sweet, gentle spirit drew people to her, and she was dearly loved by her church family. She was a faithful member of Goldsboro Worship Center and, when unable to attend in person, faithfully watched services online. Her life was devoted to prayer, worship, and the Word of God. She loved reading the Scriptures and El Pan Diario (Daily Bread). Tech-savvy and curious, she listened to Enlace (Spanish TBN) on her iPad with AirPods and made sure her phone was always fully charged—her barritas never running low—so she could stay connected with family and friends. Her favorite calls were always from her grandchildren.
To cherish her memory and continue her legacy of faith, Victoria is survived by her children: J. Oscar Ramos (Maribel), Dorcas Zapata (Jerry), Nayda Sibbel (Michael), and Audry Millbaugh (Shawn); her grandchildren Yisell Lynne Bravo (Franklin), Kristian Parrilla, Jonathan Parrilla (Vilma), Alexander Parrilla, Bethany Lopez (Luis), Brooke Millbaugh, Aden Millbaugh, George Calderon (Liz), Tyrie Ocampo (Jose), and Joel Ramos; her great-grandchildren Kailyn, Skylan, Rumi, and Mesiah Bravo; Brielle Parrilla; Luis “Tre” and Emma Danielle Lopez; Zoe Calderon; and Amelie Ocampo; her beloved sister Ruth Maria Rivas; niece and nephew Ruthie Sanjurjo and Oscar Rivas; cousins Vivian Rivas and Abraham Fontanez; and countless nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” —Proverbs 31:28–29
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all family and friends whose visits, calls, cards, gifts, and acts of kindness blessed Victoria throughout the years. You are the treasured gems in their chest of blessings. Special thanks are also extended to the compassionate staff of UNC-Wayne and Duke University Hospital for the care and kindness shown to their beloved mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her memory to Goldsboro Worship Center.
