TALISE A. RIVERS
TALISE A. RIVERS ORDER OF SERVICE
Friday January 23, 2026 10am
Greater Love Tabernacle, 101 Nightingale Street, Dorchester, MA 02124
1. Processional Music
2. Opening Remarks
Bishop William E. Dickerson II
Welcome and introduction; a brief overview of the service.
3. Opening Prayer
Bishop William E. Dickerson II
4. Scripture Readings
Psalms 23
5. Music Selection
Rey Royale
6. 98.1FM The Urban Heat Tribute & Song by Angelena Hightower
7. Sharing of Memories (2 min each)
8. Obituary Reading & Acknowledgements
Patty Samuels
9. Music Selection
Benjamin Flucos
10. Eulogy
Bishop William E. Dickerson II
11. Closing Remarks
Bishop William E. Dickerson II
The Life & Legacy of TALISE A. RIVERS
Talise A. Rivers, beloved daughter of Ray Rivers and Pearl Rivers, was born on November 11, 1973. From the beginning, Talise was a healthy, loving, and vibrant soul whose light was evident to all who knew her. Raised in Dorchester alongside her siblings, she enjoyed a playful, joyfilled childhood rooted in laughter, curiosity, and strong family bonds.
Talise attended the Boston Public School system, where she developed a strong interest in fashion, communication, and creative expression. Known for her structured nature and attention to detail, she appreciated order and purpose in all that she did. She deeply cherished family time and looked forward to cookouts, graduations, birthdays, and meaningful gatherings. Gifted with the voice of an angel, Talise sang from her soul, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard her. A visionary and trailblazer, Talise was the Founder and CEO of PERSONIFYD MEDIA, a consulting agency she built to connect people, ideas, and opportunities. Through her work, she cultivated meaningful relationships throughout the community and beyond, always rooted in service, empowerment, and authenticity. Her extensive career in the entertainment industry included roles as a panel judge for the IT Factor Dance Showcase, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator for the New England Urban Music Awards (NEUMA), Host of The Listening Party Open Mic and Networking Mixer, Event Coordinator for Sisters in Motion and most important artist management. Talise spent the better part of the last 16 years managing performing artist with a bulk of her time dedicated to Rey Royale. She not only managed his music career but was very instrumental in the development of his radio show, The Rey Royale Experience. A perfectionist by nature, Talise shared her passion wholeheartedly with everyone she encountered. Talise was also a tireless advocate for social justice, particularly raising awareness around domestic violence and addressing critical health challenges affecting men in the community. She also advocated for plus-size women. Dignity and respect were hallmarks of the treatment she gave to others. Her advocacy was heartfelt, intentional, and deeply personal. One of her guiding affirmations was, “Tell me what I am not, and I will show you who I am.”
She proudly worked with Urban Heat Radio 98.1 FM, where radio became another avenue to amplify unheard voices and educate the public on vital social and cultural issues. Her passion drove her to the development and production of The Rey Royale Experience and later became show producer of the Families Do Matter radio show with Larry Higginbottom. Colleagues, friends, and family remember Talise as a dynamic, passionate, and joyful presence. Her infectious enthusiasm, compassion, and ability to foster community left a lasting impression on all she encountered. Beyond her professional work, she was deeply engaged in volunteerism and community outreach, collaborating with organizations focused on domestic violence support and affordable housing initiatives.
Talise cherished her work with the Boston Rhythm Riders, and those who knew her fondly recall her joy on the dance floor—when she danced, she danced with freedom and no mercy. She loved the Lord and found comfort and joy in attending church with her family. Though she did not bear children of her own, Talise lovingly took many under her wing and adored her nieces and nephews.
Talise A. Rivers departed this life on December 29, 2025, at Boston Medical Center in Brighton, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Rivers.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mothers, Pearl Rivers; Dorris Marie Bell and Reginald Gordon Sr.; her sisters Angela Adams, Retha Rivers, Shanita Maybin, and Sonia Bell; her brothers Joseph Heywood (Trinia), Ray Rivers Jr., Andrew Hunter (Selina), Percy Elijah III, Ronaldo Gordon, Rodney Gordon, and Jay Evans, all of Massachusetts; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her 98.1FM The Urban Heat Radio family, whom she cherished deeply. Talise’s memory will continue to inspire all who knew her and were touched by her work, her voice, and her love.
Thank you for having the courage to be the light that shone through the darkness, encouraging others to rise.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Pallbearers
Rey Royale Ray Rivers Jr.
Ray Rivers III
Andrew Hunter
Raykwon Rivers Keon Heywood
Andrew Hunter
Rashaad Martin
