Elizabeth Gaddy "Miss Punk" Rivers

Chesterfield, SC

Mrs. Elizabeth Gaddy “Miss Punk” Rivers, age 81, entered into rest on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at St. Paul United Methodist Church by Pastor Alisha Hansen with burial to follow in the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM prior to the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Mrs. Rivers was born November 5, 1937 in Wadesboro, NC a daughter of the late John Wilson Gaddy and Elizabeth Teal Gaddy Harris. A graduate of Chesterfield High School, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Winthrop University. "Miss Punk" was a retired public school teacher and guidance counselor with over 35 years of service. A faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Mrs. Rivers began playing the piano while a student in high school and was the beloved church pianist for over 55 years. She also served as the choir director from 1997 – 2016 and was bestowed the title of honorary choir director up until her death.

Always active in the community, Mrs. Rivers served on the Board of Trustees for the Chesterfield County Library System, the SC State Foster Care Review Board, and was a Guardian Ad Litem for Chesterfield County. "Miss Punk" was a true sports enthusiast. She also enjoyed reading, traveling and playing bridge and various other card games. Her family will fondly remember her as a talented cook who passed down her recipes in her very own handwritten cookbook with "specific instructions to follow."

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rivers was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Rivers.

Survivors include her children, Amy Rivers Kiely and John Christopher Rivers of Chesterfield, SC and Stephen Craig (Jeanne Hammel) Rivers of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Sean Michael Kiely, Brian Joseph Kiely, Eamon Patrick Kiely, and Bridget Aislin Kiely; cousin and beloved friend, Dot Watanabe of Chesterfield, SC.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 305 W. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709 or to the Agapé Hospice House & Suites Lexington, 128 Library Hill Lane, Lexington, SC 29072

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Rivers family.