Bonnie Jackson Rives

Mrs. Bonnie Jane Jackson Rives, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “B”, passed away peacefully at her home in Hoover, Alabama on August 12, 2021. Bonnie was born on April 27, 1945, in Maryville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Boyd Rives, III. She later graduated from the George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tennessee, and worked as an elementary school teacher in Nashville for several years until she moved to Hoover, Alabama in 1970. Bonnie had an amazing voice, with which she graced the sanctuaries of Oakmont Presbyterian and later Shades Valley Presbyterian for many years, as well as the weddings of her children. She was also a talented painter and musician, and taught both piano and art lessons to many students during her time in Hoover. Bonnie was the loving mother of three children, Julie, Mendy, and John, whom she loved fiercely, and was an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 305, and the Jefferson County Swim Council. Bonnie later used her creative talents with her best friend and partner Dean Breeden as an interior designer, and she was also an incredible gardener. Bonnie was preceded in her death by her father, Meredith Wayne Jackson, her mother, Alma Davis Jackson, and her brother Jack. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Joseph Boyd Rives, III; her daughter Julie Rives Smith (Carlo) of Maryville, Tennessee, her daughter Mendy Rives Turnipseed (Robbie) of Mobile, Alabama, and her son John Christian Rives (Sumner) of Birmingham, Alabama. Bonnie was blessed with grandchildren in her life, Benjamin, Daniel and Sarah Smith; Jack, Coleman and Drew Turnipseed; and Kathryn, Davis and William Rives. Due to the current rise in Covid cases, the family will hold a graveside service for Bonnie on Sunday, August 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Cemetery, in Pelham, Alabama, and will hold a memorial service for Bonnie at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shades Valley Presbyterian Church, 2305 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL 35223.

Bonnie had an infectious personality, and leaves her family and friends with a lifetime of cherished memories. The Lord has gained a beautiful voice for his Choir of Angels. Rest in Peace, B.