Jean Riggins Southall, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 8, 2013 and reunited with her soul mate, Tommy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Susan Kea Riggins and Elton S. Riggins and by her husband of 62 years Thomas O. Southall, Sr.

She is survived by her four children; Jean S. Beachum and her husband Vernon of Fort Ashby, WV, Susan S. Hancock of Hampton, Thomasine S. Huff and her husband George of Warner Robins, GA and Thomas O. Southall, Jr and his wife Wendy of Hampton. She is also survived by 9 beloved grandchildren: Tiffany Keller (Russell) of Cumberland, MD, Heather Matuse (Cliff) of Wilmington, NC, Stephen Hancock and Kimberly Hancock of Hampton, Eddie Brown (Holly) of Moody, AL, Shanon Kearns of Hampton, Tari Watson (Jared) of Lawton, OK, Brooke Southall and Hannah Southall of Hampton and 11 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-great grandchildren, a sister, Joy Carol Resnik (Frank) of Poquoson, a sister in law, Mrs H.T (Dickie) Southall of Hampton and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was a faithful member of Memorial Baptist Church where she shared her many talents. She worked in the primary dept for many years. She loved to surround herself with children and she cared for every one. In her spare time she loved to bake, knit and crochet. Most of all she loved to laugh and to bring people together.

Jean, after graduating from Newport News High School went to work as a telephone operator at C&P Telephone. She married in July of 1948 and later took on the full time roles of mother and grandmother. She was an avid Hampton High School Band Parent for her three daughters. Best known as Mom or Nana to the many young people that entered her home.

She loved the Christmas season and all it had to offer. She loved to see the festive lights. It was a time she could gather her family and friends together for a meal and a time of sharing. Her home was always full of love.

A special thanks to the Coliseum Park Nursing Home staff for their caring attitudes and words of encouragement.

The family requests that expressions of love and condolences be expressed by donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Heart Association, Alzheimer's Association

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church in Hampton.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p,m. Saturday, with Rev. Lawrence Beirmann officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.