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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Willie
Rivers
May 20, 1933 – May 12, 2025
Willie Rivers, 91, of Coatesville, PA, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.
Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late AJ Rivers, Effie Lowry Rivers Wright, and stepson of George Wright. He was known as "Brownie" by his family and friends.
He was married to his first wife, Evelyn Lorraine Grant Rivers and from this union were born two children, Brian and Frederick. They shared many years of marriage until her passing in 1995. Willie later found love again with his second wife, Elsie Naomi Boyd Rivers, who brought renewed happiness into his life. They shared many years of marriage until her passing in 2011. Both held a special place in the hearts of the family, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories with his children, grandchildren and extended family.
He dedicated 44 years of hard work to Lukens Steel Company, where he was employed on the Zip Line. His commitment to his job was a testament to his simple, straightforward character and work ethic.
He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Coatesville. His greeting was always with a smile. He did things the old-school way. Willie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid gardener, traveler, and fisherman, often spending peaceful days by the waters of Northeast Maryland. His leisure time was filled with playing bingo, watching TV shows and sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and enjoyed watching boxing matches. Most of all, he enjoyed automobiles and taking long walks.
In addition to his parents and his former spouses, Evelyn and Elsie, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Rivers; brothers, Hugh Rivers and Leroy Rivers; sisters, Eula Mae Rivers and Jeanine Rivers; daughter-in-law, Juanita Towles Rivers; and sister-in-laws, Pattie Rivers and Anne Grant.
He will be deeply missed by his sons, Frederick C. Rivers of Coatesville, and Michael W. Campbell of Downingtown; daughter, Stephanie Campbell of Lancaster, and Janice Campbell of Coatesville; step-children, Pastor Henry M. Boyd, Jr. (Patty), Dea. Martin N. Boyd, Sr. (Loren) and Phillip F. Boyd, Sr. (Marie), JoAnn Brown; sister, Diana Martin; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
He will be deeply missed and remembered for his kindness and support.
Services have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 128 Irish Lane, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.
Interment will be held at the Mellinger's Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.
Condolences to be read should be faxed to 610-383-7523 or emailed to wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com by Monday, 4:00 pm. Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service. The flower theme colors are blue and red.
Viewing
Mt Zion Baptist Church, 128 Irish Ln, Coatesville, PA 19320
9:00 - 10:45 am
Funeral Service
Mt Zion Baptist Church, 128 Irish Ln, Coatesville, PA 19320
Starts at 11:00 am
Interment Following Funeral Service
Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery
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