Kathy Marie Riggins Howard

Kathy Marie Riggins Howard, 62, of Valdosta, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Mrs. Howard was born in Blackshear, GA on July 9, 1956 to Mary Riggins Griner Burkhalter and the late Alvin Riggins. Mrs. Howard was a registered nurse and worked in this capacity at the University Hospital of Augusta, and at her husband’s family practice in Douglas, GA for twenty years. She was active in church life wherever she lived, singing in choirs and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of First Christian Church in Valdosta where she was Program Director for Senior Adults and also served as a Deacon. She enjoyed spending time with family and her eight grandchildren. She had a great passion and gift for storytelling and was frequently in demand to share this gift with audiences around South Georgia.
Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband Leonard F. Howard, of Valdosta, two daughters Mandy (J.C.) Jacobs, of Fairhope, AL, and Misty (Paul) Watkins, of Valdosta, one son Dustin (Lindsay) Howard, of Atlanta, eight grandchildren, Jake Jacobs, Mary Kathryn Jacobs, Griffin Jacobs, Bennett Watkins, Kade Watkins, Hallie Watkins, Hudson Howard, Asher Howard, one brother Larry (Gwen) Riggins, of Fitzgerald, one sister Karen (Tip) Lee, of Alma, one stepbrother Kip (Michelle) Griner of Houston, Texas, one stepsister, Ann Bonds of Atlanta, her mother Mary Griner, of Blackshear, and her beloved dog, Lilly. She was preceded in death by her father Alvin Riggins and stepfather Virlon Griner.
Funeral services for Mrs. Howard will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Howard and Rev. George Bennett officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.