John Edward Bivens

John Edward Bivens, 78, of 3053 Virginia Road, Tyner, NC, died Wednesday, September 24, 2014 in Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. Mr. Bivens was born in Chowan County on September 4, 1936, and was the son of the late Robert Ernest, Sr. and Nellie Gleen Harden Bivens. A retired commercial truck driver, he had a deep love for music and had played in a band with his brothers as a drummer for many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Ernest, Jr., George, Charlie, Joe, and Carl; a son-in-law, John; and by two grandchildren, Kenny and Amanda. Surviving are his wife of nearly 46 years, Kathryn Flythe Bivens; three daughters, Julia Betts and husband Richard of Chesapeake, VA, Sherry Fulcher of Shiloh, and Johnna Lisa Etheridge and husband Carey of Oak Ridge, TN; a son, Lewis Bivens of New York, NY; and two brothers, Roy Bivens of Lovingston, VA and Jesse Bivens of Tyner. Also surviving are Kathryn's sons, William Wiggins, III and Robert Wiggins, both of Tyner, and Kenneth Wiggins of Hobbsville. Together John and Kathryn shared 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who all lovingly called him "Poppy". Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, by Pastor Tommy Oliver. A private burial will follow in the Milwaukee Cemetery. Friends may join the family Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home, and all other times at the home of Robert Wiggins, 4000 Virginia Road, Tyner. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.