Aileene Francis Riggins Seitz passed away at age 97 in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 25, 2020. Born in Hampton, Virginia on June 22, 1923 to Homer Riggins and Clara Moore Riggins, she grew up with siblings Olivia Curlee, Homer Jr. Riggins, Benjamin Riggins, Betty Katchmore, and Sidney Riggins.

A 1940 graduate of Hampton High School, she sang in numerous choirs. She then graduated from the Elizabeth Buxton Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. Aileene joined the nurse corps of the United States Navy in 1947. She became a Lieutenant Junior Grade and served until 1951.

Aileene married Chief Master Sergeant Gaylen Paul Seitz (Jeep) on December 4, 1954 in Hampton, Virginia. They were avid travelers, and Jeep's service led them to make their home in many places over the years, including in Japan and Turkey. They eventually settled down in the Tampa Bay area in Florida, where they enjoyed time on the beach and with their beloved dachshunds. Aileene and Jeep shared a deeply loving marriage, seeming like newlyweds even as the years passed. Jeep passed away from cancer in 1980.

After Jeep's death, Aileene traveled the world with friends and travel groups. Her indomitable spirit and spunky sense of humor brought light to so many people.

Aileene was baptized in the Baptist church at the age of 12 and remained a steadfast Christian throughout her life. She exemplified the generous Christian spirit, giving to charities to help children, the church, and others in need.

Aileene is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Riggins Berwald of Hampton; her granddaughter Allison Wheatley, grandson-in-law Matthew Wheatley, and great-grandson Perrin Wheatley of Franklin, Tennessee and her nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A graveside service with Navy honors will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Parklawn Memorial Park 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va. The funeral may be viewed live by clicking here after 1:55 PM Thursday.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.