Stephen Rivers, affectionately known as “Steve,” was born on July 24, 1955, at City Number One Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was the oldest of eight siblings born to Richard L. Rivers and Rev. Lillie Mae Rivers, who both preceded him in death.

As a child, Steve loved to draw, often creating detailed pictures using a lead pencil. He enjoyed playing the drums and briefly took karate classes, which became one of his passions. Steve loved music deeply; among his favorite artists were The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, and Chicago.

Steve was educated in the Saint Louis public school system and graduated from Sumner High School. During his high school years, he entered an art contest that included competition from all the high schools in the Saint Louis metropolitan area. Steve won first place, and his artwork was featured in the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch. He was so happy—and his family was incredibly proud of him.

After high school, Steve attended the Saint Louis Job Corps Center, where he received training in carpentry and earned a certificate in the trade. At the age of twenty-two, Steve moved to Los Angeles, California, where he lived for one year before returning to Saint Louis, the city he would call home for the rest of his life.

In June 2009, Steve accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior after praying with his sister, Rev. Marshalle A. Voltz. That day brought him great joy. When he was able, Steve attended church services alongside family members.

Steve was one of the best brothers a person could have. He looked out for all of his siblings with love, loyalty, and genuine affection.

Steve’s life came to a close on November 21, 2025, when the Lord called him home. He will be greatly missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory seven siblings: Willie D. Rivers (St. Paul, Minnesota), Debra A. Rivers (Denver, Colorado), Rev. Marshalle A. Voltz (Aurora, Colorado), Robin Sutherland (Saint Louis, Missouri), Derrick K. Rivers(Saint Louis, Missouri), Eric A. Rivers (Charma) (Saint Louis, Missouri), and Kim Spencer (Tony) (Saint Louis, Missouri). He is also survived by his aunt, Mrs. Betty J. McKinney, along with a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and many other relatives and friends.