Search by Name

Search by Name

Beatrice Rivers Obituary

RIVERS, BEATRICE MAE PERRY, Beloved wife of renowned musician Sam Rivers, died on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24th, at 6:45AM. Married to Sam for 56 years, she was born in East Falmouth, MA on August 11, 1931 and moved to Orlando, FL in 1990. For forty years Sam and Bea have been owners and producers of Riv-Bea Music Productions. She is survived by her beloved husband Sam, and their four children, son, Dr. Samuel Rivers, III of Randolph, MA and daughters Mrs. Cindy Johnson of Orlando, FL, Mrs. Monique Williams of Overload Park, KS, Mrs. Traci Tozzi of Glen Rock, NJ and five grandchildren, Iisha, Jessica, Irin, Tiffany and Tamara and seven great grandchildren, Elijah, Joseph, Devon, Destiny, Deja, Brianna and Devante. She is also survived by her six siblings, brothers August Perry of Poinciana, FL, Richard Merrilles of Randolph, MA; sisters Florence Barrows of New Bedford, MA, Louise Ramos of New Bedford, MA, Pauline Avery of Randolph, MA, Shirley A. De Libero of Houston, TX. Memorial service will be held at Community Funeral Home, Monday, 3- 5PM, 910 W. Michigan St., Orlando, FL. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Riv- Bea Productions which will be forwarded to Vitas Healthcare Hospice in her memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Nov. 26, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Beatrice Rivers

Not sure what to say?





David Hamilton

December 6, 2005

Bea was such a warm and kind soul. She and Sam were some of the first friends I made while attending Full Sail in Winter Park in the mid 90's, and a guy couldn’t ask for better friends. They took me in to their confidence, their music, and their home right from the start. She had a genuine beauty and sweetness about her that was infectious, and to quote Sam, an "Inspiration” Thank you both so much for such lovely memories. My heart and love go out to you, Sam, and your friends and family.



David Hamilton

Sarah Lapham

November 29, 2005

Bea was an incredible inspiration to me. She and Sam have blessed us with so much love and dedication... to eachother, to their family, friends, and to the beautiful music they have created and shared. I feel blessed to have known her and she will always be remembered and honored in the highest regard in my heart.

Brian, Carol, and Alex Carpenter

November 29, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and family. Bea was an absolutely remarkable woman whose great strength and integrity are inspirational. We will miss her dearly.

Michael Cuscuna

November 29, 2005

Bea was Sam's life partner for over 50 years and an obvious inspiration. But she also brought a pragmatism, earthiness and sense of worth to every endeavor upon which she and Sam embarked. When she and Sam moved to Manhattan in the late sixties, she became an instant New Yorker, a survivor. And she was the moral fiber and backbone of what became Studio Rivbea, a pioneering New York loft that affected the lives of hundreds of artists and fans. She will be missed by many but most of all by Sam.

Cameron Linton

November 28, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

David and Charlene Sheffield

November 27, 2005

Dear Sam and Family, please accept our expression of sympathy on the passing of your wife, Beatrice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Fondly, David and Charlene Sheffield

Eugene Snowden

November 26, 2005

Bea Rivers was an obvious inspiration for Sam and all who took the time to know her. She helped to create a musical movement for which we musicians owe her and Sam a debt of grattitude. My heart goes out to the entire family.

Marty & Helene Cann

November 26, 2005

Bea was an integral part of what made Studio Rivbea the best jazz loft in NYC and a vital supporter of Sam and his music. Our heartfelt condolences to Sam and the entire Rivers family on the loss of such a wonderful spirit.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Beatrice Rivers's name

Memorial Events
for Beatrice Rivers

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Beatrice's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Beatrice Rivers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more