Mr. Nathaniel Rivers, Sr., (Blackbuddy) passed away Friday, August 19, 2016 at Saint Marys of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 74 years. Nathaniel was born June 4, 1942 to Fred Rivers, Sr., and Izora Downing Rivers.
Nathaniel accepted Christ at an early age at Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Union Springs, Alabama. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan he attended Renaissance Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Calhoun and currently, Pastor Cedric Cheatham. In August 1965, he joined the late Ida Marlow in holy matrimony. Nathaniel was employed at General Motors (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry) for 25 years. He was a member of UAW Local 668. After retirement he enjoyed cooking and traveling to visit family and friends. Nathaniels family and friends will miss his infectious smile.
He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters, Bertha (Henry) Baker of Union Springs, Alabama, Annie Rivers (Duane VanLanham) and Melissa Baker of Saginaw, Michigan; five sons, Alvin, Otis, Nathan, Nelson and Nathaniel Rivers, Jr., all of Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Desmond, Alexander, NeeShon, Shanna, Dexter, Henry, TaeJon, Noslen, Niyell, Destiny, Nathan, Jr., Santino, Jessica, Brandon, Dominic, Camareya, and Jayden; great-grandchildren, Deshawn, Desmeanna, Latrerrel, LeAsia, Jeremiah, Jayvon, Zoey, and James; two sisters, Algertha Pritchett of Saginaw, Michigan and Dorothy Banks of Tuskegee, Alabama; three brothers, Robert Rivers, Fred (Lula) Rivers of Union Springs, Alabama and Reverend Dr. James (Annie) Gochett of Montgomery, Alabama; sister-in-law, Minnie Marlow; brothers-in-law, Solomon (Lillie) Marlow of Union Springs, Alabama, Willie (Diane) Marlow of Montgomery, Alabama; special friends, Richard Johnson, Jake Cunningham, Don Cope, and Robert Harris.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Marlow Rivers, parents, Fred Rivers and Izora Downing Rivers; other family members, Minnie B. Rivers, Freddie Mae (Theodis) Penn, Minnie Ivey, James Rivers, Charles Rivers, Hendria Mae Baker, Ruther Johnson, Felix (Willie Bell) Marlow and Eddie Marlow.
The family wishes to express special thanks to his caregivers, daughter, Annie, sons, Alvin and Otis, St. Marys of Michigan Medical Center, Ivan E. Phillips and the staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel of Saginaw, Michigan, and Carter Funeral Home of Union Springs, Alabama.
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2016 - 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Family Hour: Thursday, August 25, 2016 - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2016 - 12:00 p.m.
Haynes Chapel Baptist Church
971 Ellis Circle
Union Springs, Alabama 36089
(334)738-3044
Officiating: Reverend Dr. James H. Gochett
Interment: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery - Union Springs, Alabama
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