Thelma Shepard Rivenbark

Our dear Mom and Gmommy, Thelma Shepard Rivenbark, 95, peacefully passed away on March 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Raymond and Melissa Shepard. Gmommy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Carl J. Rivenbark, Sr. and her son, Carl J. Rivenbark, Jr. Shortly after their marriage, the U.S. Navy brought Thelma and Carl to Norfolk, Virginia. They eventually made Portsmouth their home for over 60 years. During those years, Thelma worked tirelessly to raise and support her family. She was an active member of the PTA for 36 years, room mother, and avid fan of each school activity and sporting event for her three children. Thelma loved to bake, especially cakes and pies. This tradition has been passed down to her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a talented gardener, and the Rivenbark garden produced bushels of fresh vegetables each summer. She taught herself to sew and made most of her children’s clothes including their pajamas, robes, Easter outfits, and even their jeans! A successful businesswoman, Thelma was known as “The Avon Lady” for over forty years. A member of the company’s President’s Club, she earned numerous sales achievement awards. She was extremely proud that this work provided higher education for her children. As a long time member of Alexander Baptist Church, Thelma was a faithful servant of her Lord and her church family. Along with her husband, Carl, she loved being part of the life of the church and served graciously. Thelma is survived by her son, Terry Rivenbark and wife Kathy, her daughter Patricia R. Comer and husband Bill, and her daughter-in-law, Georgia Rivenbark. Gmommy was extremely proud of her six grandchildren, David Rivenbark and wife Kayla, Michael Rivenbark and wife Angie, Betsy Rivenbark Beaman and husband Rob, Andy Rivenbark and wife Tyler, Sara Comer and husband Mike Craig, and Will Comer. She adored her great-grandchildren, Zachary, Olivia, Katie Lee, Grace, Virginia, Mary Maxwell and great-great granddaughter, Nora. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, 2:00 pm at New Creation United Methodist, 4320 Bruce Road, Chesapeake. It will be officiated by Rev. Randy Duncan. The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church. .