At an early age, he was baptized and became a member of New Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Frison and Deacon Charles Thornton, his father. Rivers relocated to Florida in March 2018, accepting the Lord, and joining the House of Christ Ministries in Sanford, Florida under the leadership of Pastor Calvin Donaldson.

Rivers was preceded in death by his beloved son, Rivers, Jr.; his loving wife, Helen; his parents, Arie Mae and Charles Thornton; his siblings, Charles Thornton, Jr., Gloria Jean Thornton, Roosevelt Thornton, Carolyn Thornton, and Naomi Thornton.

He leaves to cherish his memory granddaughters: Taylor Bria Davis and LaShea Ja'von Davis; 1 great-grandson: Jai'Sean; sisters: Isadora Thornton Hendricks and Erie Thornton Jones; brother: Birdell (Virginia) Thornton; 3 aunts: Helen Jordan, Louise Ashmon, and Ann Plant; uncle: Jeremiah Thornton; 3 sisters-in-law: Irene Brown, Mary Thornton, and Rosa Thornton; Goddaughter: Rivers Speed; 1 special nephew and adopted son: Doug Bean; Honorary sisters: Barbara Jean, Carol, Marilyn, and Annie Ruth