Neil Allen Bivens was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 8, 1946 to the late John and Ruth Bivens. After a brief struggle with a terminal illness, he departed this life on July 4, 2012. During his final weeks, he was comforted by the abundance of love and support, he received from his family and friends. He passed away at home under the tireless care of the love of his life, Barbara Bivens. Neil spent his early years being raised to honor and love the Lord as a member of Provident Baptist church, where care values were instilled that would be with him throughout his life. Neil was joined in holy matrimony to the former Barbara Williams on April 30, 1965. From this union, he was blessed to become the committed and loving father to Kevin Allen and Nina Ruth. Upon the death of Barbara;s sister Jacklin Williams Blanco in 1980, Neil openly accepted and raised Jacklin's three children, Kim Williams, Reiko Mia Williams and Erica Down Ball as his very own. He took pride in having a strong work ethic with the sole purpose of providing for his family. He encouraged each of his five kids to be the very best that they could be. He was an exemplary provider and protector. Neil was an avid listener of music, which covered all genres. He spent countless hours listening to his vast LP collection with Earth, Wind and Fire, the Isley Brothers, and Frank Sinatra being just a few of his favorites. Watching action movies was also one of his beloved past times. Neil was a man with an off-the-cuff sense of humor and a biting wit. His stubbornness was legendary. He was loved by many and was an enemy to none. He was formerly employed by Church Home Hospital and Johns Hopkins University, where he served as a supervisor in the Environmental Services Department. He tired as a truck driver for The Salvation Army in February of 2010. Although retired, he was never a man who could remain idle. Instead, he followed his true passion. He purchased his beloved pick-up trucks for the purpose of hauling and towing discarded materials, or as he called it, "Junking". Throughout his brief illness, he spoke fondly and longingly about getting another truck and returning to his business of junking. Along with both his parents, his beloved and only sibling, Bruce Bivens, preceded Neil in death. To cherish his memories, Neil leaves his devoted wife of forty seven years Barbara Bivens, son Kevin Bivens, daughter Nina Bailey, nephew/son Kim Williams, nieces/daughters Reiko Williams and Erica Ball, grandchildren Corey, Joy, Anisa, Jaira and Bria, great nieces and nephews/ grandchildren Jacklin, Asia, Jaime, Milan, London, IIan, Zion, Solomon, Elana and Eboni, great-grandson Carson, daughter-in-law Joy Bivens, son-in-law De'Angelo Bailey, mother-in-law Louise Smith, father-in-law Alva McCullium, and a countless host of family and friends. a special thank you is extended to Ms. Mamie Gattis and Mr. Guilford Coates. Coates or "Coach" as Neil called called him was a true friend until the very end.