Charles "Joe" Leroy Rivers, Sr.

A Life Well Lived Our beloved Charles Leroy “Joe” Rivers, Sr. entered this world on January 31, 1943. He was born in Richmond, Virginia to John and Alma Rivers, the second born of four children. He is preceded in death by his father, John Henry Rivers; mother Alma Coleman Rivers (Ryan); devoted paternal grandparents David and Sarah Rivers and his maternal grandparents Benny and Susie Williams. Charles respectfully known as Joe attended Richmond Public Schools and soon after joined the workforce. He was a faithful employee of the Richmond Paperboard Mill for over forty years driving tractor trailers as a foreman. He married his beloved wife of 42 years, Carolyn Elizabeth Turner on June 21, 1980. Charles was the brother of John (Yvonne) Rivers, Jeffrey (Lisa) Ryan and Bernadette Ryan. He was known for his athletic skills in playing softball, bowling, and semi-professional football. Joe also served as an adult local basketball coach for a number of years. He was the business partner of Cook’s Lawn Service which was a well-established in the Richmond Tri-Cities area with commercial and residential contracts. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Carolyn Elizabeth Turner Rivers; sons, Darrin (Karent) Rivers, Carlos (Shiela) Austin and his loving baby boy Charles (Catherine) Rivers, Jr.; beloved daughters, Patrice (Elishama) Rivers-Wheeler, Charlene (Eric) Rivers Kenney, Natasha Sheronne Rivers aka the favorite one and the baby girl, Alma Nicole Rivers; 13 grandchildren, Richard, Jordan, Javen, Brett Jr., Brittney, Camille, Victoria and the twins, Caleb and Caiden, Tayquan, Chrishawndra and Cquan; granddaughter, Octavia Watts who was his devoted caregiver over the last year and a half; 7 great grandchildren, Ke’Shion, Apollo, Tayquan, Jr., Markail, Derond, RJ, Carlisha and the newest great-grandchild, Daxstyn Charles; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other friends and close acquaintances. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and devotion to family. Throughout his life, Joe Rivers used his time wisely and wasted very few hours of a day. He ensured that his family had what they needed and even some things that they wanted. He will be forever known as a loyal Washington Redskins/Commanders fan.

Tributes

Charles "Joe" Leroy Rivers, Sr.

January 31, 1943 - February 19, 2023