Phyllis Rivers Nygaard

A loving wife, mother, and dear friend died on January 25, 2016. Phyllis was born on September 26, 1949 in Athens, Georgia to Clarence Washington “C.W." and Elizabeth Brooks Royster. She graduated from Athens High School in 1967, where she was Miss Senior Class, Miss Springtime, and on the Beauty Review. She majored in advertising and public relations. She was in the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Kappa Delta sorority and graduated Summa Cume Laude from The University of Georgia in 1971. She married Herbert Alden Rivers. They moved to Atlanta where she was employed as a media consultant at an advertising agency and a paralegal at a law firm until the birth of their children; Alden Elizabeth Rivers and Rafe Izard Rivers. She volunteered in many organizations such as the Atlanta Junior League, Atlanta Ballet, The Children’s Museum and the Center for Puppetry Arts. She loved nothing more than being involved in her kid’s lives. She was a Brownie leader and always the “Team Mom." She also served on The Westminster Parents Council. She was a realtor at Harry Norman Realtors. She found much joy in Alden’s tennis & cheerleading and Rafe’s baseball & football. In 2001, she married James Allan Nygaard whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed exercise, women’s community Bible study, and bridge. She loved being a grandmother and supporting her children in all their pursuits. She was a member of Capital City Club, St. Philips Episcopal Church and the St. Anne’s guild. Her family and friends knew her as someone who always of herself for others. She will always be remembered for her generosity, sweet spirit, and beautiful smile. Phyllis is survived by her husband James Allan Nygaard, daughter Alden Rivers Potts, son Rafe Izard Rivers, sister Pamela Royster Allen, stepson Jamie Nygaard, and grandchildren Carter Potts Jr, Brooks Potts, Emmalou Rivers, Justin Nygaard, Jonathan Nygaard, Christian Nygaard, and Olivia Nygaard. The family will receive friends at H.M. Patterson Spring Hill, 1020 Spring Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 on Thursday, January 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held at The Cathedral of St. Philip, Friday, January 29th at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at her home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30309, The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30305.