Obituary
MARGARET ELIZABETH WILLIAMS
BARRETT RIGGS
It is with a sadness deeply etched that we announce that our amazing mother, Margaret Riggs, passed into the arms of the Lord on July 12, 2019. Her peaceful “transition” was due in large part to the medical expertise and compassionate hearts of the Hospice Team entrusted with her care, beautiful souls to whom we express our gratitude eternal.
Margaret was born Margaret Elizabeth Williams (known to her family as Midge) on September 25, 1920 in Pulaski, VA, the fourth in line (and last survivor) of nine children born to Roy James Williams and Lucy Pinkard Williams. Many of her warmest memories were of carefree outings spent on the family farm with her many siblings and cousins under the watchful eye of their Grandma Pinkard-a gem of a woman known for her exceptional culinary skills and laudable work ethic, and who, herself, was also blessed with a long life of 98 years.
Margaret was married to the love of her life, Gerald Walker Barrett, Jr. on October 10, 1946,a union that produced two daughters, Julia Lynne Barrett and Janet Laurette Barrett. She later married Harry Robert Riggs, a photography buff and avid golfer. As one possessed of a marvelous sense of humor and a talent for the ivory keys, Harry brought a smile to her lips and a song to her heart until his sorrowful passing on June 3, 1985.
Margaret moved to Palm Coast, Fl in August 1986, where she enjoyed a life of contentment , comfort and what would become treasured and lasting friendships with her new neighbors on then eight avenue – and, Clifford Buckles, you better be waiting to greet your ‘best gal’ at the pearly gates(LOL). Beautiful inside and out, Margaret’s gentle spirit, unassuming air, thoughtful deeds, and ever-welcoming smile endeared her to all those so fortunate as to have made her acquaintance.
A country girl at heart, Margaret loved and respected nature and its creatures. As will come as no surprise to most, her greatest passion were the three poodles who shared her life, (Troy, Kogi and Dinky), all of whom have been cremated and will be laid to rest with their beloved mistress -the one to whom they brought endless moments of delight, solace, a life’s purpose and an indescribable joy. Margaret having been predeceased by all of her precious pets, good fortune smiled on her mightily when she was afforded the opportunity of having weekly visits from a rehab dog. For nearly two years, she enjoyed the loving and calming presence (and amusing antics) of an angelic Westie by the name of Lily Rose MacGilmore, and the inspiriting companionship of her equally awesome human, Ms. Gilly-both of whom stopped by, accompanied by “sister Sue”, to pay their final respects once the fade of life set in.
Coming from humble beginnings Margaret always appreciated the little things in life from the chirping of a cardinal (she loved birds) to the picking of vegetables from her garden to prepare delectable gourmet meals. She loved music , to which she had a soul-deep connection. From the sultry strains of Elvis(he sang her HOME) to the classics, she was moved in her spirit by all genres, but found ultimate joy in watching the Lawrence Welk Show every Saturday night for over twenty years. Also, there remained until the very last a “Twinkle” in those gorgeous baby blues anytime a handsome gentleman came into view. During a chance encounter at a train station in her younger years, Margaret was favored with the thrill of a lifetime when one of those “handsome gentlemen” coming into view was Frank Sinatra. Frank tipped his hat, gave her a wink and remarked that she bore a striking resemblance to Katherine Hepburn.
Beginning with the traumatic loss of her mother as a young child, Margaret had her fair share of crosses to bear over the long span of years. She faced every challenge with a quiet strength, acceptance, resiliency, utmost dignity and grace. In doing so, she served as a powerful example to her daughters of how to deal with the inevitable adversities of life. The toughest battle waged proved to be that of advanced aging, a daunting set of circumstances requiring daily, even hourly, a fresh measure of courage and resolve-her valiance never failed her. And though her faith was sorely tested, it did not grow faint.
The family wishes to express our love and sincerest gratitude to those dear ones, past and present, who sustained Margaret along the way, all of whom graced her life so beautifully and meaningfully.
Beloved Family: Nancy Rivenbark, Jane Thomas, Margaret Beck, Sharon West,(Jeffrey),Edith Williams, Les and Richard Williams, Linda Marion,Betty Pinkard,The Barrett Family, Margaret Rader, The Riffe Family ,Charlotte Williams Family, Retha Conaway and Family, Patsy Ann Heider, Lewis Williams, Edward West and Debbie, and Mark West.
Amazingly Kind and Generous Neighbors: Tom and Donna Drevniok, The Morgan Family, Greg and Jenifer Rorech(Terrific sons), Charlotte and Lawrence Allen,The Wilson Family,Clifford Buckles,Tracey L. Anderson, Kim and Mitch Martin, Billy Wirths,Joe Comfort.
Caring Friends Tried and True: Robin and Glenda, Gilly and Sue, Nancy MacRoberts, Trey, Marta, Debra Kay, Penny and Bob Mazzie, Sandy Lafave,Kate Shanti,Jay, Betty Ann and Marvin,Benito, Stephanie Andersen ,Samol, Midge Grattan and Gene Parese.
Professionals charged to Margaret’s care who assisted her with genuine compassion and competency: Peggy Thomas, Nurse Stephanie Novorro,Dr. Samuel D. Miller ,Nurse Fran, Nurse Leslie, Ashland, Genese, and Nurse Jan BrownBridge(an angel). Hospice nurses “Ulysses, Denise, Kathy,Claudette and Patty. Dr. Turchin, Dr. Poliner, Dr Mcleod,Dr. Borberly, Dr. Hockett, Dr. Dunn and Home Docs. A special debt of gratitude to clerics Chaplain Raphael and Father Arul- both of you fine men are a beautiful reflection of God’s love.
It has been an honor to serve as our adored Mother’s caregivers during her final years, and in doing so to be the beneficiaries of invaluable lessons learned-her lasting GIFT to us.
Let there be not one tear or regret shed for Margaret, for she had grown desperately weary of this earthly life. Her passing was the Lord’s merciful answer to an unceasing prayer. Margaret’s final wish was to be remembered with a happy heart by all those whose goodness she experienced when once she dwelt among us.
The Pinkard-Williams Family, over which Margaret presided with unbridled pride as loving and inspiring matriarch, was immeasurably blessed by the birth of precious Charlee Brynn Johns on March 15,2019, her three -times grandniece – How WONDROUS the “Circle of Life.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association or the Flagler Humane Society. Memorial services are pending.
This is Miss Margaret, myself and my sweet Lily Rose. Lily Rose and I just loved our weekly visit to Miss Margaret and the “two girls”. You could see Miss Margaret eyes light up when she would see Lily coming through the door. Miss Margaret was truly a lady with the upmost class. I offer my condolences to Judy and Janet. The light will comeback.
Love,
Gilly