Venica Elaine (Washington) Riggins

Venica Elaine Washington Riggins was born on July 17, 1958, at 2:10 p.m. at Dr. Dickey's Clinic Taylor, Texas. This beautiful curly haired baby girl weighing 6 pounds and 10 ounces, brought an abundance of joy to her parents, Bennett D. Washington and Thelma Lee (Lewis) Washington. She grew up in Giddings, Texas, where she attended Giddings Northwest School and Giddings Elementary, Middle and High Schools. She graduated Giddings High school in 1977.

As an infant, she was baptized by Rev. H. A. Davis and joined Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church at an early age, under the leadership of Rev. L.D. Jones.  She was active in Sunday school, Young People's Department (YPD), Choir and was an excellent pianist.  You could often look forward to hearing her melodic voice singing songs of praise.

Elaine attended Vogue's Beauty School from 1980-1981 and enjoyed the business of making people look their best.  She was inspired by Mrs. Alonia Roberson's care and patience with her patrons.  She dedicated many years of service at Giddings State School, as a correctional officer.  She also found comfort in serving families in their time of grief, working with Roberson's Mortuary in the early years.  She later continued to serve with Lang Funeral Homes as a service representative and staff beautician.

Elaine united in Holy Matrimony with Roosevelt Riggins, Jr.  They celebrated many years of union, raising a wonderful family.  She was a pillar of strength for her family and community, always offering a helping hand and a listening ear.  She was as special as they come.  She would take in children to give them a better place to live and grow, treating them as her own flesh and blood.

Elaine was a force of nature.  She overcame immense challenges with grace and determination.  The love she gave everyone around her was undeniable.  She had a contagious laugh that could brighten any room and a heart as big as the world.  Her kitchen was a haven of comfort, with meals that were nothing short of magical.  Her contributions to her community were invaluable and she inspired everyone around her to be their best.  She was very straight forward with her words and would express herself with all honesty.  Her love for God was never hidden, as she would publicly reverence her Savior and testify of His amazing grace in her life.  Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a powerful example of how to live a life of purpose and grace.

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Lord spoke unto Venica Elaine Riggins, and called her into a place of sweet rest.  She was preceded in death by:  her brother, Dennis Lee Washington; grandparents, Willis and Vernice (Phenix) Washington, David Lewis, and Jessie Lee and Elva (Joiner) Patridge; one inherited son, Justin Riggins-Williams.

She leaves a lifetime of loving memories with:  her husband, Roosevelt Riggins, Jr.; her parents, Bennett and Thelma Washington; her children, Doward Bernard Govan II, Nikki Chopane(Carl), Brandon Travis Riggins(Teresa), Riannah Crockett, Tonya Henderson, Tammy Riggins, Mystikal Riggins-Williams and Khalil Riggins-Williams; two sisters, Benita Sue Huff(Billy) and Annissa Dawn Washington;  grandchildren, Jada, Shalamar, Keyshawn, Janae, Eric, Bryce, Makayah, Devin, Kylar, Neoisha(Kayfon), Jace, Jayana, Kylee, Alexis, Colton, Brendon, Ruby, Destiny, Anthony, Kade, Everleigh and Emberlynn; one great-grandson, Kashton Hornes; a special niece, Crystal D. Guyton; five sisters-in-law, Dannette Bell(James), Barbara Toney, Pat Bell, Jennifer Riggins and Yolanda Riggins; her best friend, Clara "Bootsie" Blue; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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