Mother Leona Johnson Rivers

A Time To Be Born–Mother Leona Johnson Rivers was born on March 23, 1930 in Palatka, Florida to Holly and Queen Esther Johnson. She spent most of her childhood years in Williston, Florida after her parents relocated the family to Levy County. Leona's parents and five siblings preceded her in death. A Time To Love-Leona moved to Orlando at the age of 15, where she fell in love with Enoch Rivers, who had relocated to Orlando from Monticello, Florida. They immediately became soulmates and were joined in holy matrimony on August 23, 1947. Although still very young, Leona was the perfect wife for Enoch and their marriage was truly made in heaven. They moved to Eatonville in October of 1953 and built their home there. A Time To Build Up-Their love flourished and God blessed their union with their first and only seed, Vanessa. Leona's first and foremost profession was that of a homemaker, wife, mother, and eventually grandmother and great-grandmother. But she also worked for Orange County Public Schools as a school bus monitor for 14 years and nurtured even more children. When God called Enoch Rivers into the ministry, Leona was also called to serve. As her husband pastored, Leona was a spiritual advisor, leading and guiding others on their spiritual journey . She was a humble Christian woman, who quietly touched hundreds of lives in very special ways. Leona was a great cook and often welcomed family, friends, and neighbors into her home to share a meal. And even though she stayed out of the spotlight, her compassion and kindness shined brightly to everyone she met in a quiet unassuming manner. A Time To Die- On March 23, 2017, surrounded by her family and Pastor (Lorenzo Lane), Leona put on her wings and soared heavenward. Leona has taken her rightful place around God's throne and is undoubtedly rejoicing with her Husband of 62 years, Enoch Rivers, Parents, Holly and Queen Ester Johnson, Granddaughter, Brittany Williams, Siblings: Samuel Johnson, Leroy Johnson, Bertha Mae Momoe, Ida Mae Sims, and Helen Sims, and the many other family members and friends who preceded her in death. A Time To Mourn-Leona is survived by her only biological seed, her loving daughter, Vanessa; devoted son-in-law, Gregory Williams; four granddaughters, Shana Williams, Alesia McWhite (Demarquis), Nikisha Baker (Larry), and Jennifer Hicks (Jay); two great grandchildren, Destin and Destiny; four special nieces, Marion Coleman, Shirley Hosley, Naomi Williams, and Michelle Johnson; a sister-in-law, Mary Lawson; two brothers-in-law, Samson Rivers and Cleveland Sims; five goddaughters, Jeanelle Bronson, Helen Neal, Chris Latson, Angela Richards, and Willie L. Walker (Robert); two godsons, Theotis Bronson and James Williams; special friends, Margaret DeSue and Mary Ann Demonia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sons and daughters in the ministry, friends and neighbors who will forever cherish her beautiful and loving spirit.

Tributes

Mother Leona Johnson Rivers

March 23, 1930 - March 23, 2017