Beloved Nurse and Community Pillar Betty Cody Rivers Passes Away at 72

Leesburg, FL, USA - On May 26, 2025, the community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, mourned the loss of Betty “BJ” Cody Rivers, who passed away at the age of 72. BJ’s life story is a tapestry woven with threads of dedication, family, and community, reflecting her deep roots and the many lives she touched. Originally from Eustis, Florida, BJ was a vibrant presence known for her warm spirit and culinary talents, bringing gatherings to life through her love of cooking.

Born into the Cody family, BJ was baptized by Rev. T.W. Samuels at Lake Riley (Carver Park) and grew up singing in the youth choir at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Eustis. Later, she became an integral member of Mount Moriah AME Church in Wildwood, Florida. Throughout her life, BJ maintained a strong connection to her faith and community, which shaped her character and kindness.

A Career of Care

BJ enjoyed a fulfilling nursing career that spanned various notable institutions. She served at Waterman Hospital, Leesburg Regional Hospital, and Leesburg Community Hospital in Florida, before making a significant impact in Minnesota as an Operating Room Nurse at Abbott Hospital Heart Institute. In 2017, she retired as Head Nurse at the Oak Creek Comprehensive Treatment Center in Milwaukee. BJ’s dedication to her craft came during a time when the nursing workforce faced growing challenges due to an aging population and complex medical needs, as highlighted by ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The increasing demand for nursing care underscores the vital role professionals like BJ played in providing compassionate and expert health services.

Despite her professional commitments, BJ’s devotion to family remained paramount. She returned to Florida after her retirement to be closer to her loved ones. Survived by her son Gregory C. Nelson, daughters Yolanda Nelson McNealy and Fanika L. Rivers-McPherson, and a cherished special niece, Cheryl Mathis, BJ was a beloved matriarch. She leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a large extended family who will remember her nurturing spirit.

Legacy and Remembrance

Her family includes her six grandchildren: Dayryn “Bre” McNealy, Shannon “Nae” McNealy, Greggory C. Nelson II, Zari McNealy, Cody J. Nelson, and Savannah McPherson, and great-grandchildren Walter L. Woods IV, Londyn McNealy, Logan “Chunk” McNealy, and Zyair McNealy. BJ is also remembered by her siblings, including Emily Cody Mathis, Darlene Cody, Kenneth Cody, and Pinkie Morgan. Her departure not only leaves a gap in her family but also in the hearts of many in her community who knew her as a caregiver and a friend.

Visitation for BJ took place on June 6, 2025, and was followed by a celebration of life on June 7 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Eustis, where family and friends gathered to honor her remarkable life. The tributes summed up what her loved ones knew: BJ was not just a nurse; she was a pillar of support and joy for everyone she encountered.

Though Betty Cody Rivers has left this earth, her spirit and impact will endure in the lives she touched. Her story reminds us of the meaningful contributions individuals make within their families and communities. The legacy of her service in nursing, combined with her love for her family, paints a picture of a life well-lived. It is a beautiful reminder that there’s something to be said for nurturing others, and Betty did a good deal of that.

For more information about Betty’s legacy, visit echovita.com.

As we reflect on her life, may we all strive to embody her spirit of love, commitment, and care in our interactions with those around us.