George Anthony Bivens, Sr.

George Anthony Bivens Sr, 68, of Crisfield, Maryland, fell asleep in death on Monday, May 16, 2016 at McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield, Maryland.  Born on April 30, 1948, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Gladys (King) Bivens in Crisfield Maryland.  Affectionately referred to as “Anthony”, he was the third-born of their six children and the first son.

George was educated in Somerset County Maryland public schools and a graduate of Carter G. Woodson where he excelled in math and the sciences.  Upon graduation, he worked for Chris-Craft Boats in Salisbury, MD.  He later went on to work for the Sherwin Williams Company, Rubberset, where he held various positions through the years and retired as a line supervisor.

As a son he was devoted to being of help to his parents and the family.  He, along with his brothers, exhibited ingenuity in securing various odd jobs and subsequently handing the money to his mother to help with the needs of the family.  He took seriously his role as the oldest of the boys.

As a brother he was a loyal and gentle role model.  He is credited with leading by example in helping his mother to shepherd his siblings spiritually.  He was also gentle, yet manly.  He may have been known to comb his sister Gloria’s hair and give her pony tails (braids wasn’t his thing).  He taught his brothers how to how to tie their ties, Sylvester in an act of tough love.  Caring and patient so much so that he went every day to feed his sister Barbara in the nursing home. He was characterized by his humanity and his desire to help anyone.  Selfless, so much so that when Leon totaled his car he was more concerned about his welfare than the damage to the car.

As a father he was a rock. He was “it”.   He taught by example.  He demonstrated a work ethic that he engrained in his children. He exhibited what being a man was about and how to take care of a family.  He set high expectations for himself and for his children.  He was reliable, there and consistent.  He epitomized being a father: Flaws and all.  A provider through words, deeds and presence.  He was not a lot for words but when he spoke it was worth your attention.  He was what a reliable head of a house and family should be.  What he took on before 21, stepping in as a father of four, was more than what some could ever contemplate.   Demonstrating the value of honest work as a means to support your family.  Respecting his children as adults, sensed when it was time to say something as well as time to listen.  He taught the children to be a constant.  He was impactful on the type of fathers and mother his children are to his twelve grandchildren.  He exhibited that humility and faith should be a central motivation in life.  In the years under his roof he taught his sons how to cherish and treat a wife.  When it was right it was right.  He set moral guidelines that serve as a foundation for families.  Though it was not always clear what he was trying to do at the time, once adulthood/parenthood ensued for his children the groundwork that he set was evident.

George loved music, he could often be heard singing around the house. He enjoyed Jazz as well as rhythm and blues.  It wasn’t uncommon to hear Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, the Temptations and the Spinners at any given time, the soundtrack of the of our early lives. He loved to cook, breakfasts and fish were his specialties.

He is survived by six sons, Michael L. Whittington (Yvonne D.), Johnie M. Thomas III (Lydia), Carlos D. (Carrie), George A., Jr. (Beverly), Jermaine M. and Jason L. Bivens, Sr.; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Leon (Cassandra) and Sylvester Bivens (Patricia); two sisters, Barbara James and Gloria Taylor (Calvin); and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Regina F. Whittington-Bivens; one daughter, Julia E. Bivens-Cotton; and one sister, Joyce Bivens-Torney.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, May 21, 2016 at The Student Services Center Theater at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne.