Betty Cody Rivers

Betty "BJ" Cody Rivers passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a woman whose spirit touched all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories.

BJ was baptized at an early age by Rev. T.W. Samuels in Lake Riley (Carver Park). She also took pride singing in the youth choir at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Eustis, FL, and later in life became a member of Mount Moriah AME Church of Wildwood, FL. 

She embarked on a dedicated nursing career early in life, serving with distinction at Waterman Hospital (Eustis, FL), Leesburg Regional Hospital, and Leesburg Community Hospital. Her compassionate care and unwavering commitment to her patients were evident to all. She then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she continued her Nursing career as an Operating Room (OR) Nurse at Abbott Hospital Heart Institute of Minneapolis. BJ retired as Head Nurse at the Oak Creek Comprehensive Treatment Center of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2017, concluding a remarkable career defined by service and excellence. She then returned to Florida to be closer with her beloved family.

BJ had a profound passion for cooking, which she joyfully used to bring family and friends together. Her cooking was often the heart of gatherings, filled with laughter and the delicious aromas of her infamous meals. Our family will forever cherish these unforgettable meals and the countless precious memories we shared, which are held dear to our hearts. Her boundless love, gentle spirit, and generous nature will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives she enriched.

Betty Jean Cody proceed in death by her father and mother, Emitt and Willie Cody (Eustis, FL), Sister Ann Belin (New York), Brother Darrell Cody, and Sister Cecilia "CJ" Carmichael (Eustis, FL).

Cherishing her memory are her devoted son Gregory C. Nelson (Lydia) of Racine, WI, loving daughters Yolanda Nelson McNealy of Evans, GA, and Fanika L. Rivers-McPherson of Wildwood, FL. She also leaves behind her special niece Cheryl Mathis of Eustis, FL. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Dayryn "Bre" McNealy (Eustis, FL), Shannon "Nae" McNealy (James) (Evans, GA), Greggory C. Nelson II (Jazmyne) (Milwaukee, WI), Zari McNealy (Eustis, FL), Cody J. Nelson (Chicago, IL), and Savannah McPherson (Wildwood, FL). BJ was also a doting great-grandmother to Walter L. Woods IV, Londyn McNealy, Logan "Chunk" McNealy, and Zyair McNealy. She is also survived by her sisters Emily Cody Mathis (Brooklyn Center, MN) and Darlene Cody (Leesburg, FL), brother Kenneth Cody (Blondie) (Tavares, FL), and special sister Pinkie Morgan (Racine, WI). She will also be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and affection.

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