Jesse James Bivens, 86, of Dalton, GA, died Sunday, March 29, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Jesse was born June 18, 1928 in Monroe County, TN to the late Pink and Lou White Bivens; and was also preceded in death by his brothers, Wilburn Bivens, Enos Bivens, Reed Bivens John D. Bivens and Charles Bivens; and sisters, Evelene Duncan, Irene Duncan, Imogene Milsap and Rosa Lee Bivens.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Bivens of the residence; sons and daughters-in-law, Billy and Gnell Bivens of Cleveland, TN, Jerry and Susan Bivens of Orange Beach, AL, Terry Ray Bivens of Cleveland, TN, Larry Eugene and Gabriella Bivens of Perry, GA, Freddie and Phyllis Bell of Summerville, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and James Goss of Benton, TN, Peggy and Larry Ellis of Ocoee, TN, Angie and David Jones of Charleston, TN, Doris Head of Dalton, GA, Jackie and Danny Short of Rocky Face, GA, Diane and Mark McMurray of Rossville, GA, Nancy Heffner of Dalton, GA; brothers, Marvin and Shirley Bivens of Cohutta, GA, Jonah and Nora Bivens, Richard Bivens of Tellico, TN, David and Shirley Bivens of Chatsworth, GA, William Bivens of Madisonville, TN; sisters, Gaynelle and Gene O”Dell of Tellico, TN, Betty O’Dell of Madisonville, TN, Judy Ray of Chatsworth, GA; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate the life of Reverend Jesse James Bivens will be held Wednesday April 1, at 1 p.m. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Jimmy McClure officiating. Interment will follow in the Colonial Hills Memorial Park Cemetery with his grandsons serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
Arrangements will be announced later by locally owned and operated Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton.