This memorial is dedicated to the memory of my sweet mother, Jody Nanette Riggins. I have never doubted God’s love for me because He gave me the Honor of being her daughter. My mother had a spiritual strength and wisdom that cannot be put into words. She a had a peaceful, loving nature, very few times did I ever see her angry. She was a comfort and a joy to everyone who knew her. Her memory will be cherished forever.
My mother and father celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in June of this year.
My mother was a little girl during the depression and as the oldest of three children she knew what is was like to do without. During my childhood, my mother worked full time at Pizitz Department Store in downtown Atlanta because she wanted her children to have a better life. Still, she managed to be a full time mother to her boy and two girls. I know her work was hard and she was tired but she always had time to read and play with us. She spent so much time with us and took us everywhere, swimming, the amusement park, the zoo, the movies, the beach and to church and Sunday School every Sunday. She loved to spoil us and later her grandchildren. It was important to her just to enjoy us and she did. So much.
People were naturally drawn to my mother because of her kind and compassionate nature. When my son was little he said that his Nana was as popular as a movie star. It was true that everywhere she went she would see many friends who would stop and talk to her. Every year on her birthday, she would get a huge stack of cards from her many friends. She was a very energetic and active person in our community, always doing for others. She loved people and always had time for them.
When I became an adult my mother would worry about me, if the weather was bad she would not rest until she had spoken to me on the phone and made sure that I was safe at home. She was the one person who I trusted for advice in any situation. Her advice and approval was very important to me. If mama said it was okay, then it was. She was my anchor in stormy weather and when there was good news, my joy wasn't complete until I had shared it with her.
My mother hated arguments and she loved to laugh. She could light up the darkest corner on earth with her kind heart and sweet smile. She blessed our family and filled our lives with laughter and joy and continued to do so until her last day on earth. Every time I saw her, her face lit up with her beautiful smile. She aged with grace and dignity. She was such a caregiver and never wanted to impose on anyone.