Dora Havrid Rivers

Augusta, GA---Mrs. Dora Havird Rivers, age 101, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 30, 2010.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M., today Monday, February 1, 2010 at Platt’s Crawford Avenue Chapel with the Reverend Dewey Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. until the time of services, at the Funeral Home.
Mrs. Rivers was the oldest child of the late Oliver John Havird and Kate Melissa Bradley. Survivors include one brother, Cmdr. Lloyd Havird, U.S. Navy, ret., La Jolla, CA.; three sisters, Katherine Jarrell, Mary Clouse, and Connie Skalak all of Augusta; seven nieces, Carol Winn, Kay Pair (Charles), Nancy Tumlin (Bill), Susan Cooper (Tom), Jan Stuntz (Paul), Ann McRae (Bobby), and Pam Havird; eight nephews, Ed Havird (Susan), Ed Bryant (Clara), Horace Usry (Georgia), Brad Usry (Paige), Brad Havird (Tammy), Ley Havird (Jenn), Victor Skalak (Christy), and Meyer Skalak (Trish); many loving great and great-great nieces and nephews; and numerous dear cousins. Mrs. Rivers was preceded in death by one brother, John Havird, Jr., four sisters, Vera Bennett, Leila Havird, Helen Bryant and Carolyn Usry; and two nephews Rogers Havird and Trey Bryant.
Mrs. Rivers was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Rivers was a retired Traffic Manager of Southern Bell (AT&T). She was in charge of all vital telephone services in the Augusta district during World War II and was responsible for converting from operator assisted telephone calling to dial telephone. She trained, taught and inspired hundreds of young ladies to become telephone operators. Many gave her credit for giving them their “start” in life. And, up until her death, many of these ladies called to talk or inquire about her health, and sent cards and flowers on her birthday and at Christmas.
Dora’s greatest joy in life was her family, friends, and co-workers. Her home was known as the “Honey Hole” where family and friends frequently gathered for wholesome fun, spiritual fellowship, and delicious Southern meals. Dora was the epitome of a Southern lady and a Christ like Christian whose life exhibited the fruits of the Holy Spirit. With her unconditional love, acceptance, encouragement, and affirmation to those close to her, she was a source of inspiration, refuge, mercy and grace. Her life radiated the love of God and overflowed with joy and peace. Dora lived to glorify God. She will be profoundly missed!
The family expresses their deep appreciation and love to Miss Geneva Gilyard, Mrs. Audrey Montgomery and Mrs. Margaret Hightower for their devoted care and love of Dora for many years.
Pallbearers will be Paul Stuntz, Jr, Bobby McRae, Horace Usry, Brad Usry, Victor Skalak, Meyer Skalak, Brad Havird, and Lt. Col. Ley Havird. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Havird, Charles Pair, and Dr. Bill Tumlin.
If so desired, donations may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship at P.O. Box 5358, Augusta, GA 30916 or to the charity of one’s choice.