Individual Details

Death

Billie Joyce Rigsby passed away peacefully Wednesday June 19, 2013 at the West Florida Hospital Covenant Hospice Facility. She was a beloved friend, mentor and teacher to many in our community. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved the Lord and her family. Mrs. Rigsby was born in Mobile Alabama to Shelton and Quina Furr who raised her in a Christian home and in the church. Much of her young life was centered around church activities which she loved. Mrs. Rigsby graduated from Murphy High School and later attended the University of Montevallo earning her degree in Social Work. She married the love of her life Paul Rigsby and lived in Bay Minette Alabama for a short time before moving to Pensacola. Mr. and Mrs. Rigsby joined Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church and became youth directors. It was evident early on that Mrs. Rigsby had a calling and a passion to work with young people. She became Pensacola's Romper Room Lady (Miss. Joyce) with live broadcasts from the WEAR TV studios. She later entered the teaching profession starting with second graders at Bellview Elementary and taught there for 7 years. Continuing her calling, she taught seniors at Escambia High School from 1968 until her retirement in 1995. During those years she thoroughly enjoyed serving as the senior class sponsor. Countless young lives were impacted by her love and compassion for them as students and friends. She had many dedicated and loyal friends in the teaching profession and she enjoyed her involvement with ADK during her retirement years. Teaching was her passion and it gave her great joy and fulfillment for nearly 35 years. During her retirement She centered her activities around the church. She loved the Barlow Sunday School Class and was a member for over 55 years. The midweek Bible Study 'Whatever Class" also gave her great joy. She is preceded in death by her husband Paul Rigsby. She is survived by her son Randy (Gloria ) Rigsby, granddaughter Mandy (James) Conner and great granddaughter Lainey Conner. Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of he arrangements. Visitation will be at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013 with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Riley Richardson officiating. Burial will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens following the service. Pallbearers will be Nix Daniels, Dr. Herb Gannon, J. T. Young, Dr. Ed Daniel, Ron Jackson and Sandy Sansing. Honorary Pallbearers will be the men of the Barlow Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church or Covenant Hospice. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Herb Gannon, Ingrid Karlson, and Kelly Lee as well as all the Covenant nurses and professionals who participated in her care. OAK LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 619 New Warrington Road is entrusted with arrangements.
Published in Pensacola News Journal from June 21 to June 22, 2013