Betty Rice Wiggins

Betty Rice Wiggins, age 85, died Oct. 28, 2011, at Park Manor Health and Rehab after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Services will be 2 p.m. today in the sanctuary of Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Gray officiating and Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ray Wiggins; her parents, Joe and Mary Eva Rice; four brothers, Clarence, Colon, Carl, and Colvin Rice; and three sisters, Berniece Cooke, Blanche Rice, and Beatrice Acker.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was born Lillian Betty Jo Rice on June 30, 1926, in Romulus, Alabama. She attended Romulus Elementary School and, amazingly, remembered all the words of the school song until she was in her late 70s. She graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1945, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, served as a cheerleader for the Wildcats, and was actively involved in many other organizations. In 1947, she married Raphael Pearson Wiggins, her high school sweetheart. She started her working career as an associate at Louis Weasel and Company. Following that, she served as a bookkeeper at Perry’s Pride Creamery, Rick’s Hardware, and Acker Appliances.

Although she and Ray did not have children of their own, they often shared in the lives of nieces and nephews by attending weddings, holding new babies, and giving Christmas ornaments as annual holiday gifts. On many occasions, a niece or nephew occupied the guest room and were always reminded not to “stray above the pine thicket because of the abandoned well.” All listened, none were lost. There was a stuffed teddy bear sitting in a child’s rocker in the living room, a barrel of monkeys in the desk drawer, and a swing set outside for both young and old alike. On really special days, Aunt Betty told little ones they could use her adding machine to “run a tape as long as you want!”

Throughout her life, she set a wonderful example by being a devoted daughter, caring sister, loving wife, wonderful aunt, gracious hostess, and a dear friend to many.

Pallbearers will be Steve Acker, Gary Cooke, James Rice, Joe Rice, Stan Acker, and Chris Rice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in her honor to Caring Days, 1110 Dr. Edward Hilliard Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401; or My Second Home, 95 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.

For the love and care given to Betty in her declining years, the family would like to thank the staff at LaRocca Nursing Home, Park Manor Health and Rehab, Caring Days Adult Day Care, and My Second Home, an intergenerational Adult Day Program. In addition, her life was enriched by the compassionate care given by three special women: Sue Nagle, Cyndy Jean, and Pam O’Quinn.

Also, in honor and appreciation of all the fun, friendship, laughter, and love shared on 67th Avenue in Northport with the McMillians, the Browns, and the Balls over the course of almost 50 years, the family says “Thanks ever so much!”

Although we mourn the loss of our Aunt Betty, she knew that “Heaven Is for Real” and we take comfort in knowing that she is now there.