Obituary for JoAnn Rivers (Richards)
JoAnn Rivers, affectionately known as Ann and Jody Baker, 68, was born December 28, 1952, to the late Bennie Lee and Bessie Mae Richards in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was one of eight children born into their union. She departed this life on Sunday, January 24, 2021, in her home surrounded by her family.
In her youth, JoAnn was a fun carefree spirit with an outgoing personality who lived life to the fullest. JoAnn attended Carter G Woodson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Later, she met her first late husband, Leland Daniels, of her first three children Eric, Carla, and Leland (Shawn). After the untimely loss of her husband, she migrated to Detroit, MI to be with her favorite cousin Dorothy (Sister) and family.
In 1979, she relocated to Toledo, OH to join her sisters Benita and Erma, where she earned her Associate's degree as a Medical Assistant.
In 1982, JoAnn met the love of her life, Larnell Rivers. On a beautiful spring day of May 28, 1991, Larnell and JoAnn wed with their baby girl, Ashley (Nunu), as the only witness.
Larnell and JoAnn enjoyed 39 beautiful years together, raising four children, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and a host of many more while working as a private child care provider.
JoAnn was a strong stable force for everyone she encountered. She loved to shop, home decorate and travel, but most of all she enjoyed being around her loved ones. JoAnn loved life and could always be seen with a big beautiful smile.
She accepted Christ at an early age. She attended Cornerstone Church for many years under the Pastorage of Michael Pitts.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Bennie Lee and Bessie Mae, son Eric Daniels, Sister Geraldine Bell, brother Edward Richards. Nephew Derek Rivers.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her loving husband Larnell Rivers. Her children Carla (Tony) Duran, Leland Daniels, Ashley Rivers all of Toledo, OH. Sisters Erma (Joe) Pratt and Benita Bone, Toledo, OH. Juanita (Earl) Bell, Conway, AR. Brothers Willie (Lutricia) Peterson and Bennie Richards of Little Rock, AR. Grandchildren Jamar (Autumn) Lee, Brittany Daniels, Malcolm Daniels, Eric Daniels, Carlita Duran, Derick Daniels, Jonah Tall, King Daniels, Quaron Tall, and Queen Tall. Eight great-grandchildren, A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Her special friend Peggy Brown, Special daughter Angel Beene, and Special sister-in-law Mattie Snead of League City, TX.
In her youth, JoAnn was a fun carefree spirit with an outgoing personality who lived life to the fullest. JoAnn attended Carter G Woodson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Later, she met her first late husband, Leland Daniels, of her first three children Eric, Carla, and Leland (Shawn). After the untimely loss of her husband, she migrated to Detroit, MI to be with her favorite cousin Dorothy (Sister) and family.
In 1979, she relocated to Toledo, OH to join her sisters Benita and Erma, where she earned her Associate's degree as a Medical Assistant.
In 1982, JoAnn met the love of her life, Larnell Rivers. On a beautiful spring day of May 28, 1991, Larnell and JoAnn wed with their baby girl, Ashley (Nunu), as the only witness.
Larnell and JoAnn enjoyed 39 beautiful years together, raising four children, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and a host of many more while working as a private child care provider.
JoAnn was a strong stable force for everyone she encountered. She loved to shop, home decorate and travel, but most of all she enjoyed being around her loved ones. JoAnn loved life and could always be seen with a big beautiful smile.
She accepted Christ at an early age. She attended Cornerstone Church for many years under the Pastorage of Michael Pitts.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Bennie Lee and Bessie Mae, son Eric Daniels, Sister Geraldine Bell, brother Edward Richards. Nephew Derek Rivers.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her loving husband Larnell Rivers. Her children Carla (Tony) Duran, Leland Daniels, Ashley Rivers all of Toledo, OH. Sisters Erma (Joe) Pratt and Benita Bone, Toledo, OH. Juanita (Earl) Bell, Conway, AR. Brothers Willie (Lutricia) Peterson and Bennie Richards of Little Rock, AR. Grandchildren Jamar (Autumn) Lee, Brittany Daniels, Malcolm Daniels, Eric Daniels, Carlita Duran, Derick Daniels, Jonah Tall, King Daniels, Quaron Tall, and Queen Tall. Eight great-grandchildren, A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Her special friend Peggy Brown, Special daughter Angel Beene, and Special sister-in-law Mattie Snead of League City, TX.