Thelma Louise Riggs

In Loving Memory of

♡ THELMA LOUISE RIGGS ♡

April 25, 1931 - April 11, 2018

Thelma Riggs went Home to be with her Lord, on April 11, 2018. A Fort Myers, Florida resident since 1972, formerly of Labelle, Florida, she was born in Montgomery, Alabama to parents Daniel Douglas Sr. and Essie Mae (Brookins) Kelly.

Thelma loved Jesus and her family beyond measure. Her imagination came to life through story-telling, singing, and playing with children. With the most beautiful penmanship, she would add special handwritten notes to gifts and cards along with her own doodles, drawings, and poems. Her creativity flourished when she created beautiful embroidery pieces that she wore and shared with others. She was a spectacular collector of knick-knacks and trinkets; each placed exactly where they were meant to be. Thelma was a beauty to behold; always dressed for the occasion with coordinating accessories. She was an excellent cook whose special dishes were looked forward to at family holidays. She was steadfast in her love and patience; offering highly-regarded advice and teaching all ages, from children to adults, about life, love, and Jesus. Thelma loved all of God's creations; every child, every animal, every plant was beautiful and had purpose. She loved flowers, birds, butterflies, and every color of the rainbow. She could see the image of a heart in even the most ordinary objects. Thelma was the epitome of love. ♡

Thelma leaves behind a legacy of integrity, perseverance, faithfulness, and love. Her family will remember her as always “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Thelma is greeted in Heaven by her husband, Robert “Gene” Riggs; brothers Doug and Cliff Kelly. She will be forever remembered by her children Dennis (Virginia) Riggs and Becky (Jimmy) Rose; grandchildren Shelley, Paul, Jennifer, Sabrina, Robbie; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings Hilt, Maureen, Rex, and  Gary; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends that are family.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Thelma's life will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1819 Hill Ave, Fort Myers, with Pastor Matt Booher officiating. Since Thelma loved color, her family encourages everyone to wear bright colors instead of black. Thelma's earthly body will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Gene, in a private graveside ceremony with family at Memorial Gardens prior to her Celebration of Life and Memorial Service at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Thelma loved flowers of all varieties and colors, but she would never want them cut. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to her beloved church family at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1819 Hill Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239)-936-4252.

To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time, please visit Thelma’s memorial webpage at www.gallaheramericanfamilyfuneralhome.com and sign her guestbook.

"Rainbows and butterflies, green trees and blue skies, a child's smile and giggle and laughing eyes." ~ Thelma Riggs

Gallaher American Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Thelma.

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