Carol Ann Rivers, born on September 17, 1957 to the late Wallace and Effie D. Rivers, was the fifth of eight children. She was educated in New York City Schools and graduated from Far Rockaway High School and was voted "most likely to succeed" in the Class of "75." Carol attended Staten Island Community College and The College of Staten Island where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education. She obeyed the leading of the Lord to change her major from Biology to become a Physical Therapist to becoming a Special Education Teacher. Carol completed her Master of Arts in Special Education from Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

Carol at the age of 19 on September 1, 1977 gave her life to the Lord. Throughout the first five years of salvation, she turned down six marriage proposals to follow and serve the Lord as she waited for the man God might give her.

Carol became an active member of Community Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Superintendent Moses Green and Mother Louidell Green. She served as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, as well as a live radio broadcast announcer for the Church's broadcast for ten years. She also served as one of the lead singers in the Youth Choir and the Voices Community Mass Choir and formed an all-female group called "The Love Sisters"; became the secretary for the Youth Planning Board; became a Missionary of the Church of God in Christ as she accepted her callingto the word ministry. She ministered in her local church and churches in Indiana, Michigan, and Maryland; worked with street evangelism, home and hospital ministry, and prayer; but was a teacher of the word and the ministry of HELPS. Sister Rivers set up youth departments in two churches in Indiana and coordinated youth services in three churches in Maryland.

After relocating to Maryland and attending the RefreshingSprings COGIC in Riverdale, MD under the leadership of the late Bishop Archie D. Headen and then Superintendent James E. Jordan she was licensed as an Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ. Evangelist Rivers served with the New Members ministry, The Blessing for the Children, The Missionary Department, nursing home visitation, and the satellite ministry with Dr. Fannie Featherstone. Carol Rivers was truly passionate about helping people and working with children. You could often find her giving of her money, time, finding resources for others, and opening her home to people. Carol had many challenges with illness from childhood,but she did not let it stop her from going about doing good for family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Evangelist Rivers started a workshop for Women called "Honey, I've Been Through It But God Is a Deliverer." She later became a member of and served at the AbundantLife ChristianChurch in Lanham, MD under Pastor and Co-Pastor Gaines until her departure.

Many times, when Carol was hospitalized, she could be found encouraging others in the hospital. Once, during a hospital stay she led a dying patient to Christ, She was often called the miracle lady because of the healings that God manifested in her body. Many times, she was ill herself, but she could be found taking care of the needs of others. Although she became disabled, she always found a way to assist her family, assisting in taking care of two sisters who were ill and also taking other people to the store or doctor appointments. Carol was passionate about helping people, writing poetry, short stories and skits; and really making people laugh. If you didn't know, Evangelist Carol Rivers loved the Lord God's people. Her motto was: "If I could help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain." Five of her siblings; Wallace Rivers, Jr., Frank and Johnny (Wilma) Turner, Deloris and Jean Rivers, all preceded her in death.

Evangelist Carol A. Rivers went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved family - Sisters: Linda Rivers and Sherry Hector; her nieces: Latosha Grahamand Shantay Rivers; her nephews: TerranceYolanda) Rivers, Thomas and Christopher Turner; Great Nephews: Blake Sabio Martinez, Terrance Jr., Tyrell, Jalen Rivers; Great-Nieces: Brea Bremner, Trinity, Tamara, Tasis, Tatiana, and Truly Tristan Rivers. Her extended family - Godchildren: Briana Anderson, Christian Witcher, Femi Obe'; GodSister: Gweendolyn Finley; her sister friends: Delores Hardy, Sybil Roseboro, Varlanda Witcher, Cynthia Canty, Yolanda Anderson, and Vyris Clayton; her church family, The Abundant Life Christian Church anda host of other family, friends and well-wishers.