Shirley L. Rigdon

Born in Somerville, NJ January 22, 1936 to Fannie & John LaFlash. Shirley's mother, known as "Grammy", was the oldest of 23 kids. After helping to raise all those brothers and sisters, Grammy wasn't sure she wanted kids of her own but did have 3 girls. "The Twins", Tourncey & Florence and "the baby", Shirley.

Shirley loved her childhood, was a tomboy who would rather be out running with the boys than doing anything else. Her childhood stories were about fishing under a bridge, climbing around an old barn, and riding her bicycle down the dirt roads. There was a pond nearby that would freeze in the winter to ice-skate on. She admitted she didn't like school, could remember staring out the window waiting for the bell to ring so she could be outside.

Shirley's first love....her daddy. She was the baby and a daddy's girl. The memories she had with him never left her. Loved to sit in the garage after he got off work and just watch him work on cars so she could be near her daddy. He always let her know she was special. She always talked about her love for her dad and mentioned the last few months how happy she would be to see him again one day. Her daddy let her do whatever she wanted, started dating at 14 (before her sisters), prom at 15 and got married at 17 to Joe.

Her dad saw her get married but died the same year - Shirley was 17. Devastated about her dad, marriage not working and pregnant with Janie she left New Jersey. She had friends in Jacksonville, FL so took a train down and never left. Jacksonville, FL was her new home and her new life. ..........

Always loved to dance, met Frank Rigdon Sr at a dance hall and they married. Four more children later she now has five kids - Janie, Frank, Pam, Selena and Alton.

Janie & JT gave her their first grandson - Tad, then Tyler a couple of years later. Alton married Sara and had Anthony - whom we call mom's 6th child.

Selena & Terry had her first and only granddaughter - Crystal. One great granddaughter, Allie May.

Shirley and Frank's last move was to Blackburn Road in 19 ********. Shirley loved her porch on Blackburn. Would sit in the swing with her coffee as the kids left for school and back there in the afternoons to see the evening activities going on. She was the original neighborhood watch person. She knew all the kids, knew who was doing what and tried to make sure her children hung out and made friends with the "good kids". So many kids came and went thru that neighborhood over the years, she would always try to get to know each one of them - especially the boys, loved to tease the boys that she would marry them one day.

Gary & Susan Pritchett were long time neighbors on Blackburn. There were cookouts together, chats thru the screened porch to each other in the afternoons, good time's. The house on Blackburn was her home for many years.

Dancing -- loved to dance, she joined a group after her husband Frank died called "Parents without Partners". That group became her best friends and gave her so much joy and happiness. Planning dances, group outings, a couple of out of town trips kept her busy and gave her the chance to lead her own life instead of just being "the mom". That same group of friends kept in touch thru the years and would meet at "Ramada Inn" to dance on Saturday nights for many years. Her best friend Betty was by her side every week at those dances, called her everyday to have chats and to fill her in on all the "goings on" when Shirley could no longer make it to the dances. Roy Decker was also always a phone call away if she needed anything. David and Linda made sure she always had a dance partner at Ramada and was devoted to her as a friend. Her children want to thank this group of friends for their friendship and devotion, she loved them.

Shirley missed that porch on Blackburn but having an apartment to herself was great. She knew where the remote was, didn't loose her keys and could take a peaceful nap whenever she wanted. It took her a while, as she picks friends carefully, but met Lois at the Towers and they became close friends. They spent a lot of time together running to the store, movies, lunch/dinners. Lois would join the family get togethers and became part of the extended family. Lois, we thank you for watching out for her, checking on her when Frank or Pam couldn't get thru to her on the phone and panic - we counted on you and you were there.

For The last 20 years almost every Thanksgiving and Easter was celebrated at the Tucker's. Shirley always knew she was expected to arrive out there. There is a special cake at family dinners called "Shirley's cake". It's called that because no one knows the actual name of this cake but it's her recipe and is scrumptious. It's a tradition to make that cake on special occasions. And yes....it's chocolate, she loved chocolate. Shirley was able to see many kids grow up out at Tucker's over the years and always asked about them in-between holiday's.

Shirley didn't really need material things, was happy with a simple life and thankful for her children, their spouses and her friends. She was spiritual -- said a prayer before each meal, was saved and had Jesus in her heart. A few weeks ago she mentioned she would see "her daddy" again and by this time is on his lap enjoying being that special daddy's girl.

She will be missed by so many but is at peace.

If roses grow in heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother’s arms

And tell her they’re from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

And hold her for awhile.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

But there’s an ache within my heart

That will never go away.

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