Madeline Griles Biggers

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC.MADELINE GRILES BIGGERS: Madeline Biggers of Charlotte, North Carolina, died of congestive heart failure on Monday morning, the 9th of June 2014 in Farmville, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Bertha Tharpe Griles and Joseph David Griles of Randolph, Virginia.

Madeline had enjoyed three weeks in Virginia visiting with her devoted nieces and nephews even though she had suffered a mild heart attack a few days after she arrived in Virginia. Although she was hospitalized twice during this time, she was able to laugh and reminisce with her loved ones about days and years gone by. Her determined spirit and strength made sure that her last days here on earth were lived to the fullest.

Madeline was a graduate of Randolph Henry High School in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, and was valedictorian of her 1942 graduating class. A year later she married Joseph W. “Jay” Biggers of Charlotte, North Carolina, to whom she was married 48 years. Her beloved Jay passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease in March of 1990 at the age of 66.

Although she and Jay had no children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews on whom to practice their “parenting skills.” They loved them, counseled them and guided them with a firm hand, making sure that each one grew up properly and with dignity.

In her earlier years, she worked at Ivey’s Department Store in the millinery department. She was always interested in fashion and loved her part-time job at Harris-Hart Clothing Store where she enjoyed helping ladies choose styles and colors becoming to them.

Madeline was a long-time member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. She was active in the Epworth Sunday School Class, and the Golden Years Club. Up until one year ago, she got up at 5 a.m. on Tuesday mornings to join other ladies in preparing breakfast for the 7 a.m. Tuesday Morning Breakfast at her church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed helping with fundraising for Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children in Greenville, South Carolina.

Madeline was predeceased by her brothers: Daniel (“Dick”), Julius (“Joe”), Leonard (“Punk“), and Joseph (“Boo”); and her sisters: Mary, Jewell, Alma, Libby, and Sevilla.

She is survived by four sisters-in law: Annette Biggers Smith and husband Bill, of Midland, N.C.; Carolyn Foster Griles of Richmond, Virginia; Betty Newton Griles of Randolph, Virginia; and Lois Griles Hicks of Red Oak, Virginia.

Madeline is also survived by her nieces and nephews in Virginia: Loretta Reardon, Susie and Wade Hampton, Cynthia Stein, David and Louise Griles, Beth Rutherford, Eddie Rutherford, Becky Taylor, Ruth Suarez, Jay Griles; Dan Griles; Tammy Duffy; Julie Traywick; Mike Griles, Larry Griles, Carole Freeman, Jamie Griles, and Bethany Bergin.

She will also be greatly missed by her North Carolina nieces and nephews: Carolyn, Fred, and Katie Little; Tedd, Susan, and Carly Smith; Alex, David, Rowan, and Bastion Kneen; Mindy, Mitchell, Mitch and Emma Brown; and Daniel Noonan.

Madeline’s family is grateful to her dedicated caregivers: Vicki Miller, Ruby Lee, and Diane Austin. A special thank-you to Dr. William R. Bullock, her physician for over 25 years; and to Dr. James Alexander and Dr. John Bailey and their nurses and staff.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Madeline Griles Biggers will be held at 2:00 o’clock, Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28215. The

Rev. Mike Goode will conduct the service. Pallbearers will be Dan Griles, Jay Griles, Wade Hampton, Bobby Hundley, Walter Wilson, Fred Little, and David Nance.

At Madeline’s request, all friends and family are invited for a time of fellowship and refreshments before the funeral service. This will be in, The Trinity Room, Family Life Center, of the church beginning at 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. She would like for you to meet her family and reflect on the blessings that God has bestowed on all of us. Please come and join us.

Flowers will be welcome, as well as memorials to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church (Maintenance Fund) or to Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children, Greenville, South Carolina.