Deacon Bernard Rivers

Deacon Bernard Rivers, Sr., was born the son of the late Willie James and Magdalene (Pollins) Rivers,  in Hampton County, South Carolina. At an early age, he joined the family church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. Bernard attended the Honorary North District Training High School in Varnville, South Carolina. He was one of the legendary “River Brothers”, a great basketball player of his time.
A few years after graduation, Bernard moved to Brooklyn, New York. He became a member of Zion Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop Aubrey Baker, Jr, where he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. As a member, doing the work of the Lord faithfully, whatever his hand found to do later in years, he was ordained as a Deacon. Bernard was honored at the Wade Hampton District 1 Hall of Fame in South Carolina. What an honor!  Bernard’s new adventure in life came when he moved to Staten Island, New York, where he accomplished his dreams.
Deacon Rivers loved to travel. He sojourned throughout the United States, Europe, Caribbean, just to name a few. He lived his life to the fullest with the help of God.
Bernard later retired after 30 years as a Supervisor and Union Representative for Workers.He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bernadean Rivers and three brothers, Willie James Rivers, Jr., Bill Rivers and Fred Douglas Rivers and a sister-in-law, Mildred.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three sons: Bernard Rivers, Jr., Darel Rivers, Ronald Rivers, a  daughter, Bernetta Rivers. sisters, Geaner Rivers Wilson and Carolyn (Frank) Covington; brothers, Lee Andrew Rivers (Mary Ann) and Jimmy River (Sharon). His sisters-in-law: Patricia Ann Rivers and Sandra Rivers, one aunt, Ann Pollins Jones a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. He shared a special love for Bernetta and granddaughter, Amari.

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