Lorraine S. Rigsby

RIGSBY ~ Lorraine Sturgis Rigsby was born December 28, 1941 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to the union of Ples Sturgis, Sr. and Annie Bell Jenkins Sturgis. She was the youngest of five children.

She entered Piney Woods Junior College in Mississippi after finishing the eleventh grade in Crystal Springs.  After graduation from Piney Woods, she entered Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she earned a degree in elementary education.  Lorraine later earned a master’s degree from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Louisiana.  She taught school over thirty-five years; she loved teaching and being involved in the total education of children.

While attending Stillman College, Lorraine met the love of her life, J. W. Rigsby. They were married June 20, 1965.  This union was blessed with two children, Michael and Betty.  Lorraine and Joe had a blessed marriage lasting fifty-six years.

She was an active church member and supporter of her husband in churches in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Bay Springs, Mississippi, Heidelberg, Mississippi, Orlando, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida.  She served on the Deacon Board in the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Jacksonville.  Lorraine was the quiet strength behind the work of her husband in ministry fifty-four years.

Lorraine was as demanding of her family as she was of her students.  She would encourage and push people to do more than they ever thought they were capable of doing.  Lorraine was loving and supportive of her family. The positive influence she had upon those she met will be an enduring monument to the exemplary nature of her character.

She leaves to cherish her memory of love and kindness, a devoted husband, Joe W. Rigsby; son, Michael Anthony Rigsby (Nancy); daughter, Betty Jo Williams (Marvin, Sr.); grandchildren, Casia, Marvin, Jr., DaJon, ShawnDreauh, Destiny; sisters, Gladys Sturgis and Bobbie Ordone; three nephews, four nieces, seven great nieces, one great-great niece, and numerous friends who loved her. 

Memorial service for Mrs. Lorraine Sturgis Rigsby will be 11:30AM Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, 3026 Woodlawn Road.  Family will receive friends at the church Wednesday from 10:45 am until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made in Lorraine Rigsby’s honor to Pineview Presbyterian Church, 9046 Hawkeye Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32221.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400https://www.facebook.com/woodlawnjax/

This service will be live stream @ www.facebook.com/woodlawnjax/ or you may join in by telephone @ 712-432-3900 ID Number 557919#

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