Freddie McLeod Rivers was born on January 29, 1954 in Benton Harbor, MI to Sam and Rosie Rivers. Freddie received his formal education in the Benton Harbor public school system and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1972. After high school, Freddie joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Navy, Freddie returned to Benton Harbor and married his high school sweetheart Patricia Faye Woods. Together they raised their 5 children: Freddie Rivers II, Jasmine Rivers, Robert Rivers, Taylor Rivers and Felicia Rivers.
Freddie was previously employed by Auto Specialties, Alreco Steel, and his beloved Berrien County Juvenile Center. He cherished working with kids, building relationships with them, and watching them turn their lives around. When he was not working at the Juvenile Center, he enjoyed listening to “Old School” music and BBQing. While working he continued to further his education by taking classes in the evenings, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree from Sienna Heights University.
Freddie is survived by his loving mother, Rosie M Rivers; brother, Spencer Rivers; sister, Audranell Barker; 2 brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Barker and Albert Burton; 4 sisters-in-law, Geraldine Burton, Sharon Malone, Joyce Williams, and Mattie Wells; son in law, Brian Shepard Jr, daughter in law, Aeisha K.S. Rivers, 7 grandchildren, Kennedy, Reagan, Braylin, Melanie, Taya, Aleah, and Rhodri; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Freddie was preceded in death by his father, Sam Rivers; wife, Patricia Faye Rivers; brother, Eddie Rivers; brothers-in-law, Larry Henry Woods and Steven Duane Woods; father-in-law, JD Woods; and mother-in-law, Evirgia (Woods) Wright.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
VISITATION
Monday
January 27, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Brotherhood of All Nations C.O.G.I.C
516 Emery St
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday
January 27, 2025
11:00 AM
Brotherhood of All Nations C.O.G.I.C
516 Emery St
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
PRIVATE INTERMENT TO FOLLOW SERVICE
North Shore Memory Gardens
5027 M 63 N
Coloma, MI 49038