Dorothy Rivers went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. She was the fifth of ten children born to Neil J. and Flora S. Roberts of Rowland, North Carolina. She was raised on the family’s tobacco farm where she learned the importance of faith and family. Dorothy was a member of Magnolia Stateline AME Church, graduated from Southside High School, and attended Barber Scotia College.
Dorothy met and married Samson Rivers and together raised four children – two boys and two girls. As a devoted military spouse, she supervised numerous cross-country relocations, managed as a solo parent during Samson’s deployments, and ensured the family was grounded and thriving during those 20+ years guided by her faith, strength, and resilience. During these years, Dorothy earned certifications in accounting and as a medical/dental office assistant and worked full-time in civil service, education, and healthcare to help support her family.
Dorothy lived a life of purpose into her golden years. She loved her children, but being grandma was her greatest joy. She was fiercely devoted to her grandkids – school transports, various activities and events, birthdays, and graduations. Her love and generous spirit extended to her family, her friends, and her church. She was a great listener and kindly offered sound advice and words of wisdom. Dorothy always made time for others especially her nieces and nephews. She made friends easily as she never met a stranger. She also spent countless hours volunteering and fundraising for her favorite charities. The fruits of her labor were rooted in Dorothy’s relationship with her beloved Savior. She gave her life to the Lord as a youth and lovingly served in various church ministries throughout her life. She also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years.
In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed participating in Silver Sneakers gym classes, vegetable and flower gardening, cooking, baking, and playing board games, especially Scrabble. She was an avid reader and has an extensive collection of original Reader’s Digest books. Dorothy’s hidden talent was jigsaw puzzling as evidenced by her wide-ranging portfolio of 30+ works of art.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, several brothers and sisters, her son, Peter Rivers, and her grandson, Joseph Rivers. She leaves to celebrate her life her brothers, William Roberts (Zula) and Bob Roberts (Linda); her son, John Rivers; daughters, Cassandra Rivers and Yolanda Rivers-Edwards; her grandchildren, Derek Edwards II, Bryant Edwards, and Kristina Edwards (their dad, Derek Edwards); Joshua Rivers and Isaac Rivers (their mom, Mary Jackson); her great-grandchild, Divine Rivers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Dorothy’s Celebration of Life services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home. The Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 10 a.m. followed by the Graveside Service at 11 a.m. and the Repast from 11:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of Dorothy Rivers to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).
