Ethel P. Riggins

Ethel Paris Riggins, 90, of 221 Stonehill Road, Forsyth, GA, passed from this life into the eternal presence of God Wednesday, 1/15/2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles T. Riggins, sister Gertrude Swindal and brother Raleigh Paris.

Born in Leachville, AR, Ethel Lucille Paris, 10/13/1923 to Elvin and Malinda Paris; the youngest of four children. Mom experienced the great depression as a child. An athlete in high school, she played basketball. Her sister said everyone wanted her on their team because she ran faster than anyone else. Dad said she had a good “set shot.” She was a senior in high school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States entered WW2. She raised her family during the Cold War and its strategy of mutually assured destruction. After moving to Macon in 1955, she worked for Woolworth’s on Cherry Street and later at Westgate Mall. She was a member of Ingleside Baptist church and the Mary Martha Sunday School class. An active senior adult, she and her sister, Geraldine, were inseparable. They were members of a seniors clogging group, Silver Belles, and performed at many events in Macon and central Georgia.

Her legacy: Obedient child, faithful wife, loving mother, devoted grandmother, productive employee, loyal friend and a noble woman. She was a great person in the greatest generation. Galatians 5:22 epitomizes our mother: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Even Alzheimer’s could not overcome her sweet spirit.

She is survived by daughter, Nona R. Davis of Forsyth; two sons Charles E. Riggins of Tyrone, GA and Larry E. Riggins of Macon; beloved son-in-law Forrest Davis of Forsyth; daughter-in-law Linda Martin-Riggins of Tyrone, GA; sister and best friend Geraldine Brewer of Forsyth; sister-in-law Francis Honnoll of Newport, AR; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

The family wants to express sincere gratitude for the love and care provided by Margaret Johns, Roxanne Lampkin and their family at Divine Love.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2:00p.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 3:00p.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA with Dr. Mark Hudgins and Rev. Sean Beck officiating.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of arrangements.