Mary Hilda Heywood Riggins

1930 - 2020

On December 31, 2020, our Lord and Saviour called Mary Hilda Heywood Riggins home to heaven. Our loss is immeasurable, but heaven's gain is undeniable. Mary is preceded in death by her first son, Michael Hunter Riggins, her parents Daisy and Vollie Heywood and brother Carlton Wendell Heywood. She is survived by the love of her life, Malvern Hunter Riggins, Jr.., son David Franklin Riggins (wife Allison Tysinger and son William H. Riggins), son Malvern Gary Riggins (wife Patty and children Jayson Thompson, Kelly White, Michael S. Riggins and Ryan M. Riggins, as well as two great granddaughters). She is also survived by two daughters, Nancy Macon Riggins Wilkinson (husband Bob and children William A. Wilkinson, III and Emma I. Wilkinson); Mary Hunter Riggins Townsend (husband Charles and daughter Erin S. Townsend).

Mary graduated from The Elizabeth Buxton Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. She married Hunter on February 20, 1951 and began a life with him that would span seven decades. Decades filled with love, loss, and laughter. She was a long-time member of Emmaus Baptist Church in Poquoson, Virginia, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School for many years. Serving alongside others but never seeking the limelight.

Her love of family ran deep, and she found tremendous joy in family gatherings with her out of this world fried chicken and lemon pound cake. Her laugh was contagious. She enjoyed birds, her pets, playing the piano, tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and reading about faraway places. God blessed her with so many gifts but perhaps one of her most endearing ones was the ability to listen. Listen and care.

Mary's legacy will be one of service, service to God, family, and community. She indeed delighted herself in the Lord and now He has turned her mourning into dancing.

Due to COVID-19, services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Chesapeake Memory Care Unit, 955 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601.

Due to COVID restrictions services took place privately at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News. Arrangements and heartfelt guidance by Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.