Louise Barfield Rivers, 88, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Louise was born on April 1, 1935, in Garnett, SC, to the late Joseph Edwin Barfield and Patty Louise Smith. From her childhood, Louise was known as a caregiver. Following her father's untimely death, Mrs. Rivers took the responsibility for the care of her sick mother as well as her siblings. She was always known as a hard worker, though a bit of a spitfire. She was a proud graduate of Garnett High School where she excelled in her classes.

Early in life Louise met her spouse and lifetime partner, Charles Allen Rivers. They married in 1956 and went on to have two children, Patricia Diane, and David Charles.
Mrs. Rivers worked as a Supervisor for the Department of Mental Health for over 28 years before retiring. She continued working hard in the service of others in her church and community, working with numerous nursing homes and civic groups. She was known as the caregiver for those in her neighborhood and they all became members of her extended family. Louise had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. Her love for others and her bright personality will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was a seamtress who loved gardening, crocheting, and reading stories that pulled at her heart. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and fun! She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She was also strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits defined Louise They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life's challenges.
Louise was very grounded in her faith. She loved her church. She was a founding member of Harrison Road Baptist Church where she was very active in serving as a Sunday School Teacher. Mrs. Rivers was also a longtime member of North Trenholm Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children, David Rivers (Rita), Diane Conner (Timothy); grandchildren, Caroline Conner Carey (Justin), Sabrina Snipes (Daniel); great-grandchildren, Zane Snipes, Savannah Carey; siblings Virginia Barfield, Josephine Barfield; brother-in-law, Robert Rivers; and honorary family, Kristie Smith (Chris), and Maddie Smith. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rivers is predeceased by her loving husband, Charles Allen Rivers, siblings, Lee Barfield, Edward Barfield, and Agnes Smith.

The funeral service for Mrs. Rivers will be held at 10 o'clock, Tuesday, April 18th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, SC 29223. A visitation will be held from 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock, Monday, April 17th, at Shives Funeral Home Trenholm Road.