Mickey Tucker Rivers

LILESVILLE - Mrs. Mildred “Mickey” Leanna Tucker Rivers, 88, was called home to her Savior on Friday, February 14, 2020 while surrounded by family at her home; and for the first time in 25 years she was greeted by her beloved valentine. There will be a celebration of Mickey’s life on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home in Wadesboro with Rev. James Hodges and Rev. John Nance officiating. Graveside service will follow at David’s Grove Baptist Church in Chesterfield, SC. The family will greet friends Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home, and other times at the home. Mickey was born June 9, 1931 in Chesterfield County, SC and was the oldest daughter of the late Jasper and Odell Curtis Tucker. Mickey lived a Godly life and opened her home to all. She had a special heart for loving babies and children and caring for all ages. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, to her four children, she helped raise countless other children. She raised many of her childrens’ friends and her grandchildren’s friends in her home for many years. It wasn’t until later years that she decided to return to school to pursue nursing. She was a graduate of Anson Technical College where she received her license as a practical nurse in 1980. Mickey worked for many years at Anson Community Hospital in Labor and Delivery until the unit was closed. She then worked at Richmond Memorial Hospital in Labor and Delivery until 1994; at which time she returned to Anson Community Hospital and worked as a third shift nurse until her retirement in 2009. For years she would work third shift as a nurse only to return home to raise her grandchildren. She also spent many days and nights caring for elderly friends in their homes. Her love for others was unmatched and her smile could brighten any room. Her affection didn’t end with people. Mickey loved her animals too. Her home and yard were often filled with dogs, cats, rabbits, goats and chickens. To know Mickey was to love Mickey; and Mickey loved all of God’s creations. Mickey was a devoted member of Gum Springs Baptist Church and could be found each Sunday in her special seat on the back-right pew. Surviving are her son, Edward “Eddie” Rivers, Jr. (Linda), of Davenport, Iowa, and her daughters, Deana Napier (Michael) of Polkton, NC, Sammi Williams (Kenny) and Jacki Howell (Todd) of Norwood, NC; her grandchildren, Ashley Scarborough (Logan), Christopher “Bucky” Cummings, Nathan Napier, Taylor Tarlton (Tyler), Edward “Trey” Rivers, III, Curtis Napier, Sidnee Williams, and Carson Williams; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Cummings, Hilary Babu and Gannon Hendrix; great-grandchildren, Kaya Lowery, Ryder Cummings, Rivers Scarborough, and soon-to-be Bella Tarlton; step-great-grandchildren, Hailey Cummings and Tryston Cummings; brother, Dean Tucker; sister, Linda Phillips; sister-in-law, Idette Tucker; and many nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, Mickey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward “Ed” Rivers, of 45 years, brother, Charles “Sam” Tucker, brother-in-law, David “Ted” Phillips, and sister-in-law, Ellen Tucker. The family wishes to thank Joyce Chewning and Nancy Hunsucker for their devoted love and care to Mickey. A special thanks to the staff of Community Home Care & Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fellowship Fund of Gum Springs Baptist Church, c/o Sarah Harrington, 1364 Haileys Ferry Road, Lilesville, NC 28091. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home.