Mary Catherine Rivers

Mary Catherine Rivers was born on October 29, 1956, in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, to Dorothy Lee Williams and Blumsie Norwood, Jr., both who preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her brother, Jerry Norwood; and her sister, Sarah Nell Norwood. On the evening of July 12, 2023, Mary departed this life at M.D. Anderson Center in Houston, Texas. She is now resting eternally in the arms of the Lord.

Mary, at an early age, joined North Silver Creek Church in North Silver Creek, Mississippi. She attended Oakland School System. Mary enjoyed her upbringing with her grandparents who instilled a Christian lifestyle and love for Jesus, as well as how to share and care for those around her. She later moved to Simpson County, Mississippi, where she became a member of Nazareth M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend Clarence Phillips.

Mary united in Holy Matrimony to Dennis Michael Rivers, Sr. To this union, three children were born. During this time, she was employed at various jobs. Her most memorable job was with the Piney Woods School where she worked for over 25 years. She worked diligently and devoted tireless, countless hours with and compassion and love for the students and staff members. She retired from Piney Woods in 2020, where she had been residing for a number of years. She then moved in to live and help her mother at Harper Village in Mendenhall, Mississippi. After leaving Harper Village, she moved to Woodland Hills Apartments. She occasionally attended Bethlehem M.B. Church, as well as working at Best Western Hotel in Magee, Mississippi, until her health failed. If you knew Mary, you know that she was a jokester at heart. She loved to dance, had a giving spirit, and enjoyed various outings.

Mary, also known as "Mary Catherine" and "Mert," leaves to cherish her memory: three children, Aaron (Erika) Rivers, Dennis Rivers, Jr., and Tasha Rivers; nine grandchildren, Breyana Rivers, Taysha (Daniel) Stubbs, Aaron "A.J." Rivers, Jocqavius Rivers, JaKaji Rivers, Jocelyn Rivers, Dekira Rivers, Devin Wright, and Jyeryn Rivers; six great grands, Cambre, Brooklyn, Braiden, Rylee, Bryleigh, and Kalani; five sisters, Dorothy Nell Norwood, Carolyn Ball, Sarah (Derrick deceased) Walker, Pamela (Tony) Smith and Rachaell Norwood of Benton, Florida; three brothers, Larry Norwood, Charles (Pearlena) Norwood, and Tony Norwood; two aunts, Pearlena Jackson and Sallie Mae Dampeer; five uncles, Robert, Holland, M.L., Troy Lee, and Edward Earl Dampeer; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; one very special cousin, Julie Mae Sands; and four very special friends, Dortha McGilberry, Shirley Slater, Marilyn Williams, and Doris Brown.

~~  YOU MAY LEAVE TRIBUTES TO FAMILY BY SIGNING THE WEBSITE GUESTBOOK   ~~