Joyce H. Riggs

1937 – 2025

Joyce Riggs, a lifelong resident of Haywood County and a beloved member of the Waynesville community, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was 88.

Born in Haywood County in 1937, Joyce was the embodiment of warmth, devotion and strength. Her life was rooted in love for family, service to others and deep ties to her church, Elizabeth Chapel, and community.

Joyce spent her career at Dayco, where she was known for her strong work ethic and top-tier performance. After retirement, she found joy in the mountains she loved – serving as a camp host at Cataloochee and Tugaloo, where she spent many seasons outdoors, welcoming campers and sharing her love of nature.

She was a woman who made everyone feel at home. Joyce nurtured a warm, welcoming household and hosted her large family every Christmas, cooking for those she loved, and those in need. Her hospitality, generosity and grace left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Sanford and Betty Hamilton, Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Riggs, and by her son, James Randy Stevens and by her siblings, S. D. Hamilton and Sue Sparks. She is survived by her sister Connie Bryson (Arnold); brother, Charles Hamilton (Doris); her grandsons Warren Stevens (Stacey) and Hunter Stevens; granddaughters Savannah DiOrio (Joe) and Marisa Stevens; and her great-grandchildren Malia, Mary (Hunter), Morgan, Blake (Kaitie), Braden, Alyssa, Dylan, Skye, Lily and Mason; and great-great-grandchildren, Rylee and Callum. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Michele Stevens; and her late husband’s children: Jimmy Riggs (Amy), Susan Reeves (Kenneth), and Laura Bridges (Chad), who remained close and dear to her heart.

Joyce's legacy lives on in the family she loved, the lives she touched, and the memories made around her table and under the trees of her cherished mountains.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 9, in the chapel of Garrett Funerals and Cremations with the Reverend Ben Shaeffer officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett Funerals and Cremations. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for Joyce’s family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com