Mamie Riggins

Mamie Louise Riggins died in the Lord on December 8, 2024. She was 99 years old. She was born on February 16, 1925, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Edgar Groce and Cora Mae Mosley Riggins. She was the youngest sister of the late Emla Mosley Riggins and Mary Elizabeth Riggins. Mamie was aunt to one niece and several nephews. She was especially close to her nephews Joe (deceased) and Ed DeFore of Macon, Georgia. After graduating from high school, Mamie received on-the-job training as a dental assistant and spent most of her career at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. She moved from Ft. Bragg to Greenville, SC in the early 60s where she continued her dental career until she retired. She was a member of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) from 1966-1979 and a member of the South Carolina Dental Assistants Association (SCDAA) during the same period serving two terms as President. She was also a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Junior Hostess Organization and a member of the Greenville Natural History Association. Mamie came to a saving faith early in her life and grew up attending a Presbyterian church in Macon. When she moved to Greenville, she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church until 1973 when she became a faithful member of Second Presbyterian Church until her recent death. Mamie loved her church family. For many years she was active in the Women in the Church ministries. Mamie was often the first person to welcome visitors to the Sunday and Wednesday evening services. Mamie was an active member of Circle 3, a monthly Bible study for the women at Second. She considered it her duty to call the shut-in members every Saturday morning and writing her weekly tithe check was an important Saturday morning task. Mamie loved children and upon her retirement, she often babysat children in the church and those of close friends. Mamie never learned to drive; she never had a driver’s license so wherever she went, she walked, rode the bus or depended on friends for transportation to church and appointments. She never married and when she was asked about that, she always answered that she was a “U J” explaining that she was the Lord’s Unclaimed Jewel. Mamie’s favorite psalm was 27: “one thing have I asked of the Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4. Growing up in Macon, Georgia, Mamie was taught the Southern graces, being quick to say, “thank you ma’am or sir,” “I’m sorry,” and “please.” But she could be very direct in sharing an opinion or displeasure. Mamie was grateful for the simple things in life and for the opportunity to attend church. She always wanted to ask the Lord’s blessing before her meals, even remembering to do so after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Mamie was a beautiful lady. She loved her family, especially her mother Cora Mae; she loved her church family and friends; she loved children, but she especially loved her Lord Jesus Christ. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gift may be made to Second Presbyterian Church Widows’ Fund or to the Children’s Ministries at Second. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary .com.

Mamie Riggins

February 16, 1925 - December 8, 2024