Ava Lena Riggins

Ava Lena Fralix Riggins, age 92, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013 at NHC Hillview and has gone on to be with her heavenly father.

Mrs. Riggins was born in Giles County, Tennessee on November 29, 1920 to the late James Franklin Fralix and the late Lillie Vera Oakley Fralix. She was the last living child of 11 born to them, as all of her siblings have preceded her in death.

Ava loved her family and raised not only her own six children, but several others as well. She was dedicated to being the best homemaker she could be. She was a very religious person, being the oldest surviving member of United Pentecostal Church in Columbia. Her family and her Christian belief was her only motive in life.

Mrs. Riggins is survived by her children: Doris (John) Haywood, Thomas (Georganne) Riggins, Beverly Ann Stanford, Paul Lynn (Nelda) Riggins, Ronnie Lee Riggins, Demetria (Rickey) Turner; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and siblings, she is preceded in death by her son-in-law: Robert Stanford; daughter-in-law: Claire Riggins and her siblings: Walter Fralix, Robert Howard Fralix, Onie Elizabeth Fralix, Pearlie Fralix, Nina Belle Fralix Parr, Harvey James Fralix, Arlie Kline Fralix, Bertha Ethel Fralix Clark, Raymond Earl Fralix and Lillie Vera Fralix.

Funeral services for Mrs. Riggins will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Bro. Telford Tharpe and Bro. Kyser officiating. Burial will follow at Lynnwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Monday, Sept. 30 from 4:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Riggins grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Members of United Pentecostal Church and Frances Arbuckle will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at NHC Hillview, Dr. Cummins Couch and Karen Perry FNP.