Jerry Gregg Rivers Sr. was born on June 18, 1953, to Evelyn and J.B. Rivers in Williamsburg, Virginia. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by his family, Jerry quietly entered the pearly gates to rest for eternity with his Heavenly Father.
Jerry was raised in the Carver Gardens neighborhood and graduated from York High School in 1971. After leaving school, he became gainfully employed with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Eastern State Hospital, and the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).
In 2007, Jerry met Alma Warner and decided to relocate from Williamsburg to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he was employed as the store manager at the Virginia ABC store in Cape Charles until his retirement. After retirement, Jerry was not satisfied with sitting at home, so he became employed with the Accomack County Public Schools, where his love for children placed him in the role of cafeteria monitor and most recently as a security officer, a position he proudly held until the time of his passing.
Jerry loved the peace and tranquility the Shore offered him; that is why you would often find him and Alma out on leisurely drives up and down the Shore. Whenever their travels took them to Northern Virginia, Jerry would jump at the chance to travel the back roads and offer a history lesson about Virginia. In his leisure time, he loved watching the old R&B group concerts, football, basketball, and keeping up with world affairs.
Jerry was very family-oriented and enjoyed occasional “day trips” to Williamsburg to “catch up” with his family and friends. He could not wait to get home to share his new news. Jerry was also a loving, supportive grandfather and his grandchildren were the joy of his life. He loved them unconditionally, especially, Amia, his “Poota Poot.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Rickey, Lafayette, and Sidney. Left to cherish the many fond memories are his wife, Alma Rivers; son Jerry Rivers Jr. (Megan) of West Point, VA; stepsons, Fantonis Warner (Chelsea) of Portsmouth, VA and Tyler Warner (Michaela) of Fruitland, MD; grandchildren, Monica Watkins, Amia Williams, Neijore Copes, Willa Rivers, Kaysen Warner, Alanna Rivers, Ma-kaya Rivers, and Madden Warner; brother James Rivers (Linda) of Williamsburg, VA; aunts, Julia Rivers of MI and Diana Rivers of NC; sisters-in-law, Toni Malone of Bear, DE, Denise Smith (Kenny) of New Castle, DE, Tammie Townsend (Theophilus) of Nelsonia, VA, Marshell Jones of Parksley, VA, Melisa Marshall (Mike) of Bear, DE, and Lucinda Rivers of Williamsburg, VA; brothers-in-law, Oscar Battles (Iris) of Atlanta, GA and Arthur Battles Sr. (Jennifer) of Orlando, FL; cousin Agnes Roberts; childhood best friend, Ronald White of Williamsburg, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
