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Sandra Faye Grimes Riggs was born on June 25, 1946, in Woodville, Miss. She was the fourth of six children born to the union of professor Ephraim M. Grimes and Ruby Dillon Grimes. She accepted Christ at an early age when she became a member of King Emanuel Baptist Church. Sandra grew up in a loving household where reverence for education, family and respect for others was taught - core values that remained with her throughout her life. Sandra completed elementary and high school in the public school system of Woodville. She attended Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in special education in 1972. While there, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Sandra taught in the public school systems of New Orleans and Houston. She also served as administrative assistant for the S.H.A.P.E. community empowerment center in Houston. She subsequently moved to Los Angeles, where she was an administrator at the Vitiligo & Pigmentation Institute of Southern California. Loved for her gentle manner and attention to detail, Sandra was adored by both patients and staff. Although she enjoyed her work, she eventually returned to Houston to help care for her grandson. A born nurturer, Sandra always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. People felt better and more calm just being in her presence. She loved people and she loved life. Most of all, she loved her family. She especially took joy in spending time with her grandson, Xavier. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Arnold; and her sister, Charlotte Angela. She is survived by two sons, Gary Brown, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Arnold Riggs, of Houston; a grandson, Xavier Riggs; a sister, Dr. Pearl E. Grimes, of Los Angeles; two brothers, Dr. Elywn Grimes and his wife, Collette, of Dallas, and Dr. Wendell Grimes and his wife, Cynthia, of Baton Rouge; two nieces, Elyse Grimes, of Jacksonville, and Ashley Minus, of Los Angeles; six nephews, Elwyn Grimes Jr., of Kansas City, Mo., Wendell Smith, of Harrisburg, Pa., Dr. Ephraim Grimes, of Chicago, Cornelius Grimes, of Atlanta, and Ellis and Nicholas Grimes, both of Baton Rouge; and a host of cousins, friends and former patients who will miss her dearly. She will be remembered for her love of life, jovial spirit, compassion and generosity. A memorial service will be held at King Emanuel Baptist Church, 9696 Pickneyville Road, Woodville, on Monday, July 7, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dwayne Anderson will officiate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mt thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I have beautiful memories of Sandra. God bless each of you. If there is anything I can do call me. Pearl, be strong and trust in God. Time will heal the pain.
Love, AUNT ESSIE
ESSIE DILLON
July 30, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Nolynthia, Janelle, Tollea and Hill Family
July 22, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Nolynthia Brangman-Hill
July 22, 2008
God makes no mistakes, and when He decides to pluck a FLOWER He probably has a vase He wants to beautify. I'm greatful to God that I have memories of Sandra's kindnesss. Love to the family!
Cyril Dillon
July 20, 2008
It may not be visible, but God has wrapped His healing hands around your family at this time. Sandra, I have to believe that you are embracing your Earthly Family as we mourn your lost, but take time and rejoice with your new Heavenly Family.
Julius Raynard Bryant
July 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gale, Tony, Sarah, and Family Overturf
July 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marcia (Pat) Hill
July 6, 2008
My thoughts are with you and I know Sandra will live on in your loving memories of her.
Rodrick Miller
July 6, 2008
I will always remember your laughter, smile and being able to talk to you about anything and I mean anything. Vaya con dios, prima.
With Love,
Greg
Gregory Bryant
July 6, 2008
Losing a loved one never comes easy and I know there are not enough words that will comfort you and take away your pain. Even though we are not physically in your presence, know that we are hugging you from afar and praying that your journey through grief will be short lived.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Aunt Auggie and Paula
Paula Miller
July 6, 2008
“A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet” and is still a rose. Sandra was a beautiful and aromatic rose to everyone who knew her, to those who loved her, and to those who saw and admired her from afar. Although her physical present will be sorely missed, her compassion and love for life will live on in those of us who have been enriched by her presence.
Linda, Reggie, Regina, and Michele Parrott
Linda Parrott
July 6, 2008
May God touch all that knew Sandra.
Timothy Dillon
July 6, 2008
I'll be with you to represent the Dillon family. Our collective prayers are with you.
Love You and Yours
Judith & Joseph and daughters Meredeth, Melanie and Myla
Judith Bryant McCoy
July 6, 2008
God bless you.
Nathaniel Dillon
July 5, 2008
Fun memories will forever reside with our family here in Woodville. "Hold onto HIS unchanging hand.
The family of Lillian Dorsey and the late John Edward Dorsey.
Rosa Dorsey-Robinson
July 5, 2008
Loosing family is always hard and when it happens so sudden and unexpectedit even more difficult...my prayers are with you all at this time..take care of each other..I offer my condolence to you all.....Jerrolyn
Jerrolyn McCohn
July 5, 2008
My prayers and love are with you as you go through this great loss. I will always remember Sandra's warm smile. Take care of each other and keep God in your life.
Bless each one of you
Love,
Aunt Ethel
Ethel Dillon
July 5, 2008
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