Josie Mae (Riggins) Waver

Josie M. Riggins Waver, affectionately called “Sister” to all who loved her, was born April 20, 1943, in Sylacauga, Alabama. Josie was the third of nine children to Mr. Livingston Riggins Sr. and Mrs. Rosie Wilson Riggins.

At a very early age Josie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior uniting with New Hope Baptist Church in Sylacauga, Alabama. Although she was active in various churches throughout her adult life, her heart always remained with her childhood home church “New Hope Baptist Church”.

Josie was educated at Cedar Creek Elementary School and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School. Josie was a soft-spoken, fun-loving, and kind-hearted sister, aunt and friend that was cherished immensely by all who knew her.

Josie had a love for styling hair by press and curl.  She kept her four younger sister’s hair pressed and curled as well as many of the other little girls and women in Cedar Creek.  After moving to Corona, NY, she continued to press and curl hair for others for many years. Josie served as the neighborhood hair stylist in Cedar Creek and Walco, Alabama as well as Corona, NY.  Her most favorite thing to do was sit on the front porch watching the cars pass by. She “LOVED” that porch and just “sitting on it”, which was her classic response when asked what she was doing. If you wanted the honest truth about anything, and sometimes even when you weren’t ready for it, “Sister” would give you just that. The time spent with family and friends was always full of love and laughter. The memories will truly be held closely by everyone.

Upon answering her Master’s call on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Josie accepted her wings to join the love of her life, her husband, Eddie Waver, parents Livingston Riggins Sr and Rosie L. Wilson Riggins, brother Livingston Riggins Jr, sisters Mildred Riggins- Seabon, Mary Frances Borden and Sadie Hale.

Josie’s memories will forever be cherished and celebrated by her loving and devoted sister, caretaker, and as she would say “Momma” Peggy Patterson, Sylacauga, AL; three loving brothers: David Riggins (Amy), Portland, OR, Leon Riggins Mesa, AZ, and Michael Riggins (Sheila), Vancouver WA; one adopted sister Frances Clisby Townsend, Childersburg, AL; very special cousin Catherine Varner; best friend Bobbie J. Thomas. Sister in-laws: Claudette Riggins, Louise Gaddis, Geneva (Noble) Askew, Martha Bozeman, and Marion Waver; Brother in- law: Calvin Waver; A host of loving nieces, nephews and other relatives and special friends.

Josie will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We truly thank God for the time he gave us with “Sister”.

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