Christine E. Rivers

Life is filled with swift transitions. Such is the case with our loved one, Mother Christine B. Rivers. Born July 15, 1943, she was the 3rd child born to Rev. Levi Allen and Lady Christine Hodge Britt. God saw fit to call the roll and for her to board the flight to her eternal home on Jan 4, 2025. Preceding her in death are her husband, John E. Rivers; parents, Rev. L.A. Britt and Christine H. Brit. Her siblings Nathan and Margaret P. Britt. Her daughters, Christina A. Britt, Gayla D. Rivers, and Florence L. Maddle, grandson, Michael D. Rivers, Sr along with a multitude of other relatives and loved ones.

“Lizbet”, as she was affectionately, called possessed and confessed an ardent love for God and God’s people. She displayed this at an early age by connecting with the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church where she served as an active member under the pastorate of her father, the late Rev. L. A. Britt until his passing and the current Pastor William R. Harris, Sr. During her membership she participated in various activities to include The No. 2 Choir, Sunday School, VBS, The Stones River District Association, as well as the Mother’s Board where she also served as president. She also served her community in various roles such as The Resident Association President for Cumberland View Apartments and for a number of years and facilitated the Summer lunch program. She sponsored and hosted banquets for the BC Cobras. She was a graduate of Pearl High School and attended Tennessee State University where she majored in Nursing. She united in matrimony with the late John E. Rivers. To that union, 2 children were born.

“Lizbet” was family oriented be it blood related or chosen family. Her home was the gathering place, and she was known to house many over. From cookouts to Holiday dinners or even on a random Sunday, you were sure to come empty, but leave full of food, fun, and love. She was very opinionated and outspoken, and one thing was certain, you never had to question where you stood with her, because she was sure to tell you personally how she felt about you or anything she wanted you to know. She was also a woman of faith, strength, and a pillar in the family. Her loss is certainly a void that cannot be filled and one felt by many.

Those left to cherish her memory are sons; Levi N. (Zandre) and Elder Lewis T. (Shemikia) Thomas, Sr.; grandchildren, Elder Antoine D. Barbee, Steven (Dquwana) Rivers, Antoinette Westmoreland, Lewis, Jr. and Ke’lexia Thomas, Devon Starling, Destiny and Dae’Johnna Talley, Kevontae, Gayla, and Kei’arah Thomas, X'zavion, Zion; great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Kynlee, Kisaiah, Ka'Ziah,Lewis lll, Leonard, Houston, Lamonteze, Steven Jr., Za’Mychal, Nathan, Jeremiah, Zamari, ZyShawn, Zanieya, Michael, TyDarius,Tamia; 5 great great- grandchildren, nieces, Antonia Britt-Jones (Michael), Lydia LeVette Britt, Stephanie Hammonds, Donna Rivers, and Melody Jackson; nephew, Adrian Britt; devoted cousin Thomas “Jake” (Marie) Britt as well as numerous great nieces, nephews, DeNethea, Alyce, MJ, Demetris; and cousins; devoted friend, Tenesea; extended family to include, The Britt, Covington, Dismuke, Hodge, Lee, Clay, Steele, Gardner, and Jackson Families. Special thanks to Zena Caldwell, the staff and physicians of St. Thomas Midtown, and Claiborne and Hughes Rehabilitation Center.