JOHN EDWARD SHIVERS – Obituary
John Edward Shivers, age 82, of Turnersville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Washington Township with his loving wife by his side.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 55 years, Maryann (nee Swetkoff) Shivers. He was the son of the late Leon William and the late Eleanor Elizabeth (nee Kelly) Shivers. He is also survived by his brother, Richard A. Shivers (Barbara) and their sons Stephen (Jill) Shivers and their children Caleb and Emma, Brett (Kate) Shivers and their children Lucy, Audrey, Emily, and Felicity, and Joshua (Becky) Shivers and their children Finn and Benjamin; his brother Lee Shivers (Joanne), both deceased, and their children Carter Jay Shivers and Morgan Shivers; his sister, Eleanor E. “Angel” Shivers; and his brother-in-law Walter Swetkoff (Mary) of Montrose, Colorado, and their children Erin Hatter (Tad) and their children Jovian and Kainen, Maribeth Kramer (Jeffery) and their children Natalie and Evie, and Erik Swetkoff.
Born on January 19, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John was raised in Clayton, New Jersey. He graduated from Clayton High School, Class of 1962, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 1966 as a member of the University’s 250th graduating class, and later received a Master of Arts degree from Glassboro State College in 1974. He has resided in Turnersville, New Jersey, for the past 40+ years.
John dedicated 38 years of his professional life to Washington Township High School, where he taught mathematics, science (physics), and computer science, and served as department supervisor for grades 6–12. Speaking on behalf of her husband, Maryann expressed deep gratitude to Washington Township residents, noting, “We would like to thank Washington Township residents for lending us your children for a combined total of 80 years (38 for John + 42 for Maryann).”
A man of deep faith, John was a born-again Christian who loved the Lord and read the Bible daily before work. Prior to marriage, he was a member of Clayton Baptist Church, and after marriage, he was a longtime member of Old Christ Church in Philadelphia. He served the Lord with joy in his heart and believed the Lord worked through him to be a servant to all. Kind, thoughtful, and intelligent, John always respected women and took the time to help others in any way he could.
John and Maryann shared a beautiful life together and traveled the world, including 35 years of memorable Washington Township High School Senior Trips and numerous excursions across Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States. Maryann shared, “We know John will be in heaven serving the Lord in any capacity. And we know he will be on the far side of the Jordan writing love letters in the sand, and when we see each other, we will shout and run to each other, holding hands.”
John’s life was one of faithful service, dedication to family, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A viewing will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at Cedar Green Cemetery in Clayton. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.