Obituaries

In Memory of
Shepherd A. Rivers
October 10, 1924 - May 27, 2008

Interment:
Spring Grove Cemetery

Shepherd A. Rivers, son of the late Henry and Alberita Rivers was born on Friday, October 10, 1924, in Marengo County, Alabama.

He confessed Christ as his Saviour and was baptized at an early age of eleven years at Bethel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Newberry. Deacon Rivers graduated from Marengo County Training School.

At age 19, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served in World War II. After completing three years in the Navy, Deacon Rivers relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio. He later attended Cincinnati Christian College in Ohio.

In 1949, Deacon Rivers was united in Holy Matrimony with Rose Ella Miller. To this union were three children, a daughter, Loretta Tolbert; two sons, Eddie and Arthur Miller. A few years later Shepherd united with Bethlehem Baptist Church.

After the loss of his wife Rose, Deacon Rivers reunited after 47 years with his childhood sweetheart, Dessie P. Kennedy and they were united in marriage in 1999., They cherished nine lovely years together, traveling and enjoying life to its fullest.

Preceding Shepherd in death and holding open he gates for him are his mother and father; two sons, Eddie Miller and Arthur Miller; two sisters, Vera M. Phillips, Ethel Ro. Washington and two brothers-in-law, Eddie W. Price and Richard Chapman.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Mrs. Dessie Rivers; daughter, Loretta R. (Jack) Tolbert; stepmother, Nellar Rivers; sisters, Louvenia (Eddie) Price, Anetha B. (Richard) Chapman, Nellie Mae Rivers, Gladys Rivers; brothers, Henry A. (Ora) Rivers, Tommie L. (Pearl) Rivers, Sylvester L. (Darlene) Rivers, Emanuel (Earlina) Rivers; grandchildren, Erica Holt, Arnetta Miller and Steven Miller; great-grandchildren, Myles Holt, Mia Holt, Joshua Watkins, Jamira Holt, Shakir Miller, Raja Miller, and five additional great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of other relatives and true friends; one special friend, our guardian angel, Mrs. Patricia Hudson.

Service 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2008, at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 2365 Compton Road, Cincinnati (45231) with Pastor Cecil Ferrell officiating.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Home, 7272 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy (45231). www.HerbWalker.com