Charlene Riggs Clayton

Charlene Riggs Clayton 1954-2014 Charlene Riggs Clayton (February 4, 1954 – November 28, 2014) of Pensacola, Florida passed away with family at her side. A native of Cove City, NC she was preceded in death by her father, J.B. Riggs and beloved stepfather, George Noble. Charlene is survived by her mother, Goldie R. Noble of Dover, NC, her devoted and loving partner of 17 years, Richard Grimmel, daughter, Heather Clayton Legnard (Brett) of Albany, NY and son, Lance Clayton of Pensacola. Charlene also leaves behind to forever cherish her memory, sister, Wanda R. Nicholson (Edward) of Cary, NC, twin sister, Marlene Riggs of Jacksonville, Florida, brother, J.B. Riggs, Jr., cousin (sister of her heart) Dawn R. Register (Randy), aunt, Josephine Riggs all of Cove City, NC, along with niece Adrienne Abudo of Jacksonville, Florida and nephew, Brandon Davis of Boone, NC. A proud grandmother of five (Charles, Chloe, Collin, Liam, Lorelei), Charlene was a loyal and loving friend to so many people as evidenced by the outpouring of friendship and many kindnesses during her illness. Long-time friend Andrea Davis, with her each and every day, extended that love and friendship to each member of Charlene’s family. Charlene, a proud U.S. Navy veteran, found joy in the simple things of life; listening to the sound of the ocean waves crashing, planting flowers (colorful zinnias, especially lots of her favorite colors, pink and purple) that reminded her of childhood, dancing with abandon, watching her grandchildren at play or the thrill of a ‘treasure hunt’ through a thrift store, particularly in the company of her sister Marlene when they invariably seized upon the same item and spent time insisting the other one should have it! In recent years, she enjoyed visits and adventures with her daughter Heather as much as possible to places such as Salem, MA, NYC, and this summer to the Outer Banks of NC, where she embraced the salt air and ocean she so loved. The family would like to thank the compassionate and dedicated care teams of Sacred Heart Hospital and Select Specialty Care for their extraordinary effort in ensuring that Charlene would receive the quality of care she deserved, despite the many failures of the Veterans Administration. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway (www.fcfhs.com) at 4:30pm, followed by services at 6:00pm. A private inurnment service with military honors will occur at Barrancas National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Foundation for Cancer Care in memory of Charlene Clayton (www.sacred-heart.org or call 877-416-1600 for more information) or the charity of one’s choice. Express your condolences at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

Charlene Riggs Clayton

February 4, 1954 - November 28, 2014