Bessie Rivers was born August 30, 1920 in Athens, Georgia to Will Henry and Clara Veal. Bessie was the eldest of four siblings. Bessie had a close relationship with Lizzie Mae, they even had nicknames for each other, Bessie was “Quiet Storm” and Lizzie Mae was “Thunder Storm”.

The family moved north when Bessie was a juvenile. She was educated in the Cleveland Public School system and graduated from Central High School. Soon after graduation she wed William Rivers Sr. (preceded her in death) and to this union they were blessed with eleven children.

Bessie became a homemaker working as a housekeeper and caregiver in the Jewish homes, to assist with the family income. She later obtained a dietary position at Fairhill Mental Hospital until she retired. Later in life she met Leroy Givens (preceded her in death) to this union she was blessed with 2 children. She and Leroy truly had green thumbs, they enjoyed gardening together on 148^th Street; growing greens, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and planting flowers. Bessie loved to cook and bake she put her heart into it and it was the best you ever tasted. On birthdays she would always bake her children a homemade cake and for the grandchildren banana cream pie. She loved oatmeal raisin cookies and when she couldn’t bake anymore she would purchase cookie dough. Her other favorite was in the summer she and Leroy would gather the grandchildren on 148^th and make homemade ice cream giving them each an opportunity to crank the handle, when she moved to 133^rd street the great-grandchildren became a part of the ice cream churning family tradition. Another tradition with granny was spending the night at her house and bringing in the New Year.

She assisted in raising grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bessie had a very big and kind heart for everyone she came in contact with. She always spoke her mind and peppered it with the truth.

Bessie was a blessed woman, a miracle to the family; she lived 94 beautiful years. She re-dedicated her life to the Lord on May 6, 2015. Bessie ran a good race even over an affliction that challenged her, she stood tall and strong in its battle to finish the race. Our matriarch was called home on May 14, 2015. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Loved ones that preceded her in death: both parents; Will Henry and Clara Veal, siblings; Edward Veal Sr. (Gary, IN), sisters; Mary Henrietta and Lizzie Mae Sumlin. Six children; Lucille R. Holloway, Flora R. Minter, Marlene (infant), Henry, Brenda R. Saddler and Evelyn R. Lyons. Two nieces; Sharon Dixon (Gary IN) and Clara Sumlin, one nephew; Paul Veal (Indianapolis) two grandchildren; Fannell and David Harris. Son in-law David and Daughter in-law Sharon.

Loved ones left behind to celebrate her life and cherish her memories children: William Jr., Laverne, Eugene, Gerald, Thomas, Valencia and Jeffrey. A host of nieces and nephews both of Cleveland, OH and Gary IN., 49 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, 27 great-great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.