MRS ALVATINA (RIVERS) COOPER

For it is written in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Mrs. Alvatina Rivers Cooper, deeply loved by her family and all who knew her, passed away from an extended illness on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and resilience. Born and raised in Waycross, she was known as a woman who had a heart of gold and a fire in her spirit when the moment called for it.

A gentle kindness who overcame many difficulties with grace. Alvatina’s life was a testament to the power of love and perseverance.

Alvatina was a member of the Waycross High School Class of 1974, completing her formal education at night while balancing the responsibilities of work and family during the day. She carried a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, she labored faithfully at various companies, always doing what was needed to support her family. She was also an entrepreneur—managing her home with strength and creativity, and finding ways to make ends meet through resourcefulness and resilience. Alvatina was a member of Greater Mount Zion AME Church, where she served in the Nora Alford Missionary Society, the stewardess board and the kitchen committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henderson T. Rivers and Shirley Hamm Rivers; her husband, Jerry Cooper; her daughter, Sharah Williams; a sister, Barbara Overton; three brothers, Carlton McKelvin, Franklin Delano Rivers and Marion Rivers; and two grandsons, Quashawn Williams and Antwan Hope Jr.

For Alvatina, family was at the center of her world. She was a devoted mother who worked hard to ensure her children felt loved and supported. Friends and family remember her home as a place where everyone felt like part of the family. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters; Shonta Carson (Zebulan) of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Sharron Williams of Pompano Beach, FL: two sons; Monte Rivers of Waycross, GA, and George Williams Jr. of Pompano Beach, FL: five sisters; Octavia Glover of Pompano Beach,FL; Patricia Easily of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Annette Rivers of Waycross, GA; Shirley Edwards (Jordan) of Port St. Lucie, FL; and Vivian Milledge of Offerman, GA: two brothers: Rev. Jackie Rivers of Waycross, GA, and John Rivers of Jesup, GA: one aunt; Carrie Garner of Waycross, GA: six grandchildren; Destene Simmons, Lauren Beaver, Keechelle White (James), Trevaris Session, Tavon Session and Keiarah Williams: nine great grandchildren: special friend Ramon Kitchen: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Though she is no longer with us, the love Alvatina leaves behind will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew her. Her legacy of love, resilience, and compassion lives on through the family and friends who will cherish her memory. Alvatina Rivers Cooper will be deeply missed, but she will forever be remembered for the love she shared, the strength she demonstrated, and the light she brought into the world.

Family and friends are being received at 806 Brunel Street, Waycross, GA. Please continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.

Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, Georgia 31501

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