Beverle June Rivera's Obituary
Mrs. Beverle June Newsome Rivera age 95 of Oakland, Tennessee passed away on August 11, 2023.
She was born on May 5, 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee to the Late Robert J. Newsome and Geraldine A. Hoback Angle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Gilberto Luis Rivera and a son in law, John Cowgur.
Survivors include one son, Gilbert Rivera (Kellee) of Oakland, Tennessee; four daughters, Gere Rivera of Naples, Florida, Julie Cowgur of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jennifer Trainer (James) of Somerville, Tennessee and Sally Dixon of Marietta, Georgia. Other survivors include nine grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Beverle led an active and organized life.
She was a graduate of Treadwell High School and attended Memphis State and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she met and married her husband.
At different times in her life, she lived in Memphis, Tennessee, Boston, Massachusetts, Closter, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. In the early part of her marriage, she was a lab technician. She spent time volunteering at school fiestas, the horseshow, "April in Arlington," and Lakeland Homecoming in 1986. She helped incorporate the city of Lakeland, Tennessee and was the mayor of Lakeland for twelve years. During that time, she served on 32 Government Boards. She owned and operated Shelby Center Day Care for seven years.
She took care of the farm and five children while her husband commuted to and from New York City where he practiced Dentistry. The farm consisted of horses, chickens, cows, ducks, goats, cats, dogs and a four-acre garden.
She taught Sunday School, was secretary of the Methodist Church in Arlington Tennessee, and was a member of Decatur Christian Church.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Rivera will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 11:00am in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation an hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am to 11:00am. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Beverle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Beverle?
Share a story where Beverle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Beverle you’ll never forget.
How did Beverle make you smile?
