Vicki Jean Hummingbird

Mom (Vicki Jean Hummingbird) was born on July 8th, 1954 in Hayti, Missouri to Dallas and Margie (Gibson) Durham. She was the baby with two older brothers, Ralph and Richard Durham. When she was 3 years old they moved to the Bay Area in California, after lots of encouragement from Uncle James. She began her journey of motherhood which became her passion in life. She was blessed with 5 beautiful, strong and confident daughters between the years of 1974-1991. Mom would have not chosen to stop at 5 kiddos if it weren’t for her “baby-maker” needing to be taken out. Although motherhood started young and funds were scarce, we never knew the difference. She always had homemade bread on the table, noodles made from scratch and the gardens were abundant. She raised chickens and rabbits for farm fresh meat and eggs. During these years she raised healthy Exotic birds such as Amazon Parrots, Macaws, Cockatoos and Cockatiels. She continued doing this for most her life. After raising all 5 of us, mom successfully earned her GED and went on to obtain an Associates in Psychology to later become a Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselor. She felt strongly about helping guide other mothers back into their children’s lives. She would describe herself as “dynamite comes in small packages”, and never had a problem letting people know her truth. She was humble, approachable, and compassionate to all her clients. Her passion to help others was noticeable to anyone she helped beat addiction. In 2008, Mom moved to Oregon so she could be closer to her grandchildren. It was during this time that she faced one of the biggest challenges in her life. Mom experienced a near fatal black wasp sting that put her in instant anaphylactic shock. The severity of this event caused her to lose the ability to walk, talk and take care of herself. All of us daughters came together and through the focus of nutrition, physical training and unconditional love, mom regained her strength. 5 years ago, Mom met her soulmate, Bob Murry. The two of them are kindred spirits, birds-of-a-feather who bonded over medicinal gardening. As well as feeding the local deer, birds, squirrels and spending time with the family. She never missed a soccer, baseball or cheer event of the grandkids, even when she had a broken foot. Mom was always the most giving soul and there wasn’t a person she met that didn’t like her. She would always welcome you with the warmest hugs and smile, no matter who you were. She left an imprint on so many hearts in this world. There was not a thing she wouldn’t do for someone that needed her help. She was so nurturing, consolable and dependable. She was always laughing and instantly brightened every room she walked into. You could count on her to always answer her phone, no matter what time of day or night. When it came to animals, mom was Snow White. All the animals would surround her and immediately she would become their favorite. This was the case with not only dogs and cats but also deer, birds, mice and chickens. She had an incredibly special connection with all living creatures. Her furry grand-pets were a huge part of her life. You could say the word “Grandma” and all the animals would start going crazy with excitement. 13 years later, she passed on the 13th day of the same month of her first life threatening experience. Mom’s favorite number was also 13. On her last day on Earth she spent it happily with Bob. Having lunch, watering her hundreds of succulents and relaxing while watching one of their favorite shows called Manifest. Just after midnight on June 13th, 2021 mom passed away suddenly and unexpectedly due to a cardio-pulmonary event. She is survived by her brothers Ralph Durham and Richard Durham. Her soulmate Bob Murry. Daughters: Traci Akers, Tammy Murry, Amber Taylor, Eden Taylor and Ayla Hummingbird. Grandchildren: Daytona Stroman, Landon Murry, Ava Murry, Ryder Murry, and Sahalie Scheelar. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mom’s celebration of life is planned for July 10th, 2021 at The Murry residence. The address is 45572 Santiam Hwy, Foster, OR 97345. Open house style: Come anytime from morning to night…  We know mom would love if you wore tie-dye or bright fun colors in her memory! Since Mom had such an extreme love for living plants, the family requests that if you desire to bring something please bring potted plants, potted flowers, or seeds. Versus the traditional cut flowers. Ideas include plants that would create a magical hummingbird garden. The family will plant these later, and it will be a continuation of her life and beautiful soul. We hope to see as many friends and family as possible together. It’s what Mom would have wanted!