Winnie Ann Rives was called home to be with the Lord on June 21,2025, at her residence in Petersburg, Virginia. Born to the late Colbert Frenzley and Mary Frenzley, Winnie lived a full and impactful life, filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family and community.

Winnie was the proud matriarch of her family. She was a woman of strength, wisdom, and joy, who poured her heart into everyone she touched. Known for being the life of the party, Winnie loved to dance, celebrate, and bring people together. Her home was always open - a gathering place for countless friends and family over the years, filled with music, laughter, food, and unforgettable memories.

A faithful and hardworking woman, Winnie dedicated many years of service to Virginia State University, from where she later retired. Her commitment, grace, and spirit made her well known and deeply respected in the community.

Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Will Roger Rives; daughter, Janice Rives; sisters, Helen Coakley, Mary Alston, Doris Frenzley and Georgia Frenzley; brothers, Thomas Frenzley and Colbert Frenzley; as well as her great grandson, Jasiah Rives.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children known as the "Winnie Gang", April Rives, Teira Rives (Bobby), Kevin Rives, Sr. (Johnna), Roger Rives, Sr. (Sandra), Ronnie Rives (Vanessa), Katherine Tucker (Derrick), Larry Rives (Arnesia), and Katrina Rives.

Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren, Quinda Rives, JaQuan Rives, Sr., Dishieka Rives, Eric Rives, Roger Rives, Jr., Jakayla Rives, Jada Rives, Kevin Rives, Jr., Kejuan Merritt, Tamiya Rives, Tacaiya Rives, Azani Harris, Shawn Rives, Jaelyn Satchell, Jeremiah Satchell, Kaelyn Satchell, and Justyn Hayes; thirteen great grandchildren, whom she watched grow and adored dearly. They were all her favorites - even if they had to fight over the title.

Winnie is also survived by her loving sisters, Rosa Wyatt (Levi), Barbara Johnson (Langston), Helen Bowles (Edward) and Thelma Jones (Melvin); and cherished brother, Benjamin Thompson; as well as a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Winnie will always be remembered for her joyful spirit, her warm hospitality, and her unmatched ability to bring people together. Whether she was dancing in the kitchen, telling family stories, or fussing with love, she made sure her family knew they were loved. She was a nurturer, a firecracker, and a constant presence who left a lasting impression on every soul she encountered.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that Winnie is now dancing once again in Heaven - reunited with her husband, daughter, siblings, and great-grandson - and that "her works do speak for her" as it says in the Word.

Though our hearts are heavy, we will carry her light, her love, and her legacy with us always.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 5, 2025, in the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Herbert W. Anderson, eulogist, Pastor Trevor Walker, Jr., officiant. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

On the day of the service, the family will assemble 12 Noon at her residence on 829 Lee Avenue, Petersburg, VA.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.