Mrs. Essie Mae Rivera, age 83 of Drakes Branch, passed away on August 17, 2020 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Mr. David Johnson and Mrs. Viola Benton Johnson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Cotton and brother, David Johnson, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. George Rivera, Sr. of Drakes Branch; five children, George Rivera, Jr. of Bronx, NY, Angelo Rivera of Drakes Branch, Ross Rivera and Michael Rivera both of Tucson, AZ, and Monica Rivera of Murfreesboro, NC; twenty-six grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; sister, Maxie Bowens of New York, NY; brother, William Johnson of New York, NY;  aunt, Mrs. Leslie Johnson of New York; sisters-in-law,  Gloria Rivera and Emily Richardson of New York and Phyllis Rivera and Carmen Rivera of Nevada; and a host of other relatives and friends.