Joyce (Joyse) Emily Briding Rivers died peacefully in her sleep on December 23, 2025, at the Heritage Center, with her husband Nelson and son Kyle nearby. The daughter of Grace Louise Kraft Briding and Donald John Briding, Joyce was born May 18, 1944, in Hazelton, PA. Joyce grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown, PA, and graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art and English Literature in 1966. Joyce’s career included leadership of non-profit arts organizations, marketing for a local bank, and self-employment as an artist. She served on the boards of several community nonprofit organizations, where she gave generously of her time and talent.
Anyone who knew Joyce loved her and knew that her home – and her heart – was always open. She was happiest at meals with friends and when she had a house full of guests, such as her and Nelson’s annual Christmas “Pizza Soiree,” with upwards of 100 attending. She and Nelson also regularly included “Holiday Orphans” in Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. Joyce was extraordinarily dedicated to her many broad and deep friendships, investing time, energy and love in relationships that have endured over decades.
Joyce also loved spending time with her family. Her grandkids enjoyed many “Nana and Grandpa Camps,” and she stayed in close touch with extended family members through regular visits and calls.
Joyce always engaged the world with curiosity and creativity. She and Nelson traveled extensively, taking photos and making friends and memories as they went. Joyce was a lifelong supporter of the arts and was a talented artist in her own right, creating thousands of handmade multi-media greeting cards and other works. She loved beauty in all its forms.
Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Dr. Nelson Rivers; her daughter Kyrsten Zimmerman (Jason) of Brookings, SD; her son Kyle Kramer (Cyndi) of New Salisbury, IN; her stepson N. Paul Rivers (Jeanette) of New Haven, CT, and her grandchildren Aaron Zimmerman, Madeline Zimmerman, Eva Kramer, Clare Kramer, Elijah Kramer, Taebin Rivers, Luke Rivers, and Damon Rivers. She also is survived by her sisters, Donna Price and Cathy Viviano, and her former sisters-in-law Jane Streets, Pixie Carrier, Pat Kramer, Kelly Kramer, and Karol Kramer, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the Methodist Temple (2109 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714), on Monday December 29 with visitation from 10am – 12pm and a funeral service at 12pm. Pastor Andy Payton will officiate. There will be no graveside service. Memorial gifts can be made to Patchwork Central.
Dawn Whobrey says
This lady shined she loved life. I have only known her for 2 years and always got a hug. She will be missed by all
Connie Henry says
Joyce and I became friends when our girls were in grade school. We loved to cook and took turns making gourmet lunches with our like-minded friends. She’s one of the smartest persons I’ve ever known __ a great story teller! The
kind of friend we all hope to have. We were going to solve the world’s problems. I will miss her so much! My heart is with her family. Connie Henry
Robert & Rosemary Rivers says
When we think of Joyse, we remember how she talks to you.
Joyse made one feel like you were one of the most important people in her life and always wanted to know how you were, and what you’ve been doing.
Joyse liked getting in touch or making plans to meet up sometime.
We will miss her joyful personality.
It was a pleasure and an honor to have Joyse as our sister-in-law for over thirty-six years. Joyse will always be in our thoughts and truly missed.