Garrett Rivers

Chesterfield, SC

Mrs. Garrett Douglas Rivers, age 88, entered into rest on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Memorial Services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, January 29, 2017 at White Oak Presbyterian Church by Rev. Charlie Short. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Mrs. Rivers was born June 22, 1928 in the White Oak community to Orland H. Douglas and Beaulah W. Douglas. After marrying Jathan W. Rivers and having two sons, they moved to Bennettsville, SC where she owned and operated “Rivers Florist” for many years. The couple eventually retired and returned to live in Chesterfield County.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jathan W. Rivers; siblings, Mary D. Purvis, Lurline D. Jacobs, Azalee Clanton, Lawton P. Douglas, and her youngest son, Steven J. Rivers.

Survivors include her eldest son, Douglas M. Rivers and wife Kaye of Chesterfield, SC; sisters, Evelyn “Peg” Griggs of Chesterfield, SC, and Faye Chewning of Charlotte, NC.

Mrs. Rivers led an active life, loved people and traveling, and held a special place in her heart for her church. As an active member of White Oak Presbyterian Church, she was a part of the choir and church events, always greeting everyone with a warm smile and a kind word. The highlight of her life though was her grandchildren, Meredith Solomon of Virginia, John Douglas Rivers and Mary Kate “Katie” Rivers both of Chesterfield, SC, as she enjoyed watching them grow into adulthood.

She made an effort no matter the situation to live life to the fullest. After the passing of her husband and son, she strived to live a meaningful and exciting life, traveling to various places, yet always thinking of her home, Chesterfield and the people that made her happy. Mrs. Rivers will be remembered as precious in the hearts of many and her spirit will be greatly missed.

The family of Mrs. Rivers would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to each visitor and friend that took time to encourage Mrs. Garrett during her illness. A very special thank you to Dr. Alex Newsom and the staff of Cheraw Family Medicine; the staff of Hospice of Chesterfield County; the staff of Mcleod – Cheraw Hospital; her White Oak church family; and the staff of Chesterfield Drug Company for their love, care and concern shown to Mrs. Rivers and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Mrs. Rivers’ memory to White Oak Presbyterian Church, 5386 Angelus Road, Ruby, SC 29741.


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