July 28, 1949 - February 18, 2022
Melvin Earl Rivers was born July 28, 1949, in San Mateo, California, to the marital union of Charles Walter Rivers, Jr. and Rosie Lee Clark. He was a graduate of San Mateo High School, class of 1968. Melvin was talented in Athletics and the Arts, with a concentration in Basketball, Track, Cross Country, and Concert Choirs events.
Melvin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. As a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church of San Mateo, California under the leadership of Reverend W. C. Sample, he was active in the Youth Choir and the Baptist Youth Union.
While attending the College of San Mateo, Melvin was drafted into the military. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War working as Military Police and a Canine Dog Handler. Upon being honorably discharged, Melvin dedicated the next 28 years supporting our youth at Redwood City Boys and Girls Club as well as coaching, mentoring and counseling so many. He inspired youth to improve their lives. He retired as Program Director of Youth Services.
Melvin moved to Stockton, California in 2013, where he became a faithful member of Progressive Community Church. He loved Visual and Performing Arts, gathering with friends and family, dancing, teaching his nieces and nephews to play a plethora of sports, board games, cards, and cheering on his beloved San Francisco 49’ers and Giants.
Melvin is preceded in death by the following: His parents, Charles Rivers and Rosie Lee Rivers; seven brothers: Charles Rivers III, Gregory
Rivers, Freddie Rivers, Dwight Rivers, Willie Rivers, Frankie Rivers, his identical twin Marvin Rivers; and nephew: Jerry Rivers.
He leaves loved ones to cherish his memory: sister, Pheon Rivers Davison: loving nephews, Kenneth McCardie, Ashanti Davison, Damani Rivers, Clifton Williams and Edward Ellis, loving nieces, Akilah Davison Ellis, Devika Rivers, Ella Mae Daigle, Je A’nna McCardie and Monique Davison, great nieces, Kilan McCardie, Zoe Davison and Leah Ellis, great nephews, Ashanti Davison Jr. and Zaden Davison; favorite cousins: Larry Page, Angela Page, and Clementene McMillian. He will be missed by a host of passionate cousins and special friends.
Rest in Peace Melvin.
SERVICES:
Services for Melvin will be held on Wednesday March9, 2022 at 11:00am at Progressive Community Church located at 2820 S B St. in Stockton, CA 95206.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rivers family.