Joel Newborn Rivers

1934 - 2025

Joel Newborn Rivers was born on September 7, 1934 in Brownsville, Tennessee to the late Willie and Mattie Mae (Jelks) Newborn. He accepted Christ at an early age and began his spiritual journey at Mt. Olive CME Church. Later in life, he became a devoted member of Fellowship Church of God in Christ in Collierville, Tennessee, where he continued to grow in faith and service.

Joel proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1957. His sense of duty, discipline and dedication carried through every aspect of his life. He was a man of deep wisdom, quiet strength and unwavering love. His gentle spirit and kind heart left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

On October 28, 1962, Joel married the love of his life, Ida Ruth Spencer, in Somerville, Tennessee. Together, they shared 62 wonderful years of love and partnership.

After graduating from Lane College with a bachelor's degree, Joel started his teaching career in LaGrange, Tennessee, and later taught at Springhill Elementary School, taught GED Classes at Somerville, Tennessee Jail, and ended his teaching career at Central Elementary School after many years.

On September 22, 2025 Joel passed away peacefully at his home in Moscow, TN. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie; his mother, Mattie Mae; his sisters, Sara (Joyner), Ruth Ann (Turnbo), and Louise (Roberson); his brothers, Sonny Newborn, Bishop Willie Newborn, and U.L. Newborn; son-in-law Michael Jennings and his special aunts and uncles, Josephine Selby, Christine Rivers, Jimmy Rivers, and Paul Jelks.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ida Rivers; children, Wanda (Larry) Ransom, Michickia (Reginald) Carter, Cynthia Jennings, Derek (Denesicia) Rivers, Joel (Sheila) Rivers; grandchildren, Reneco Rivers, Lekenya (Rico) Council, Sheterrika Jennings, Christian Ransom, Michael Jennings, Jr., Jasmine McGhee, Caleb Jennings, Kristi Rivers, Derius Rivers, and Demya Rivers; siblings Joanne Lee-Slaw, Gladys Lee Shields, Dorothy Lee-Helm, Linda Lee, Joyce Lee and Bernadine Lee; two special cousins, Gertrude Bailey and Olivia Bailey and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friends.

Visitation Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at H.C. Jett-H.C. Ford Funeral Home, 203 Washington St., Collierville, TN 38017. Funeral service Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Church of God in Christ, 451 Quinn Rd., Collierville, TN 38017. Interment Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd., Memphis, TN. 38125. Pastor Larry Neal Sr., officiating.

H.C. Jett-H.C. Ford Funeral Home
203 Washington Street
Collierville, TN 38017
(901) 853-2323