Eleanor Garrison Rivers

Eleanor N. Garrison Rivers, 87, of Asheville, died Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Givens Estates Health Center, where she was a resident. She was born in Buncombe County to the late James Carter and Katheryne Eberly Garrison, and was also preceded in death by both siblings, Diane Garrison Brannon and James C. Garrison Jr., and by her husband of 61 years, James Lewis Rivers. Eleanor graduated from Lee Edwards High School and attended Greensboro College. She worked at the Buncombe County Tax Collectors Office and at Asheville Radiology Associates in secretarial and billing capacities. She was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Methodist Women, and volunteered in the church library, and with the Altar Guild. She enjoyed participating in the Red Hat Club and the Beverly Hills Garden Club, and loved spending time with dear Keasler Road neighbors in weekly social gatherings. Survivors include daughters Julia R. Brotherton and husband Tom, of Charlotte, NC, and Leslie R. Elliott and husband Rick, of North Myrtle Beach, SC. She is also survived by four granddaughters; Sarah Brotherton, of Wilmington, NC, Michelle Brotherton, of Charlotte, and Madison and Caroline Elliott, of North Myrtle Beach, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Asheville on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 at the church, until the service begins at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Lewis Memorial Park on Beaverdam Road immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to to Central UMC, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801, to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to Alzheimer's Association, ALZ.org. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd. is assisting the family.