Dorothy "Dot" Felkel Rigsby was born in Tallahassee, Florida on November 30, 1923, to Lucille Thomas Felkel and William Felkel. After her father's passing when she was four, Dot was raised in Thomasville, Georgia by her mother and stepfather, Ryland Langley. Dot had three loving siblings, James Felkel, Owen Felkel, and Catherine "Sissy" Felkel Howard. She graduated from Thomasville High School in 1942 and attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery. Dot left college before graduating to care for her terminally ill mother. After returning to Thomasville, she met the love of her life, David Green Rigsby.
Dot and David married on October 17, 1948, and welcomed twin boys, Ryland Terry and David Cary, in 1950. Some years later, Dot went back to college at the University of Florida for a degree to pursue her passion for teaching. She taught elementary education for 29 years before retiring, and remained a life long Gator fan. Dot and David had many hobbies, including traveling in their RV. They toured much of North America, including several trips to Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. They especially enjoyed their stays in Western North Carolina, typically spending the summer months there.
Dot had a beautiful singing voice and was very outgoing and friendly to all. She was active in the Thomasville First United Methodist Church, "friends craft club", and absolutely loved playing bridge.
Dot was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, David Green Rigsby, and her son, David Cary Rigsby. She is survived by son, Ryland Terry Rigsby (Sharon) and daughter-in-law Kate Pearce; Grandchildren: Kathryn Rigsby, Kara Rigsby Godfrey (Adam), Jennifer Rigsby Reid (Kevin), Joshua Rigsby (Karen), and John David Rigsby (Adam), as well as six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Dot passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022, with her loved ones at her side, and under the care of the wonderful staff at Azalea Gardens Memory Care in Tallahassee. A family graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution be made to Thomasville First United Methodist Church, 425 North Broad Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792, or to a charity of your choosing.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy Rigsby, please visit our flower store.
Dot and David married on October 17, 1948, and welcomed twin boys, Ryland Terry and David Cary, in 1950. Some years later, Dot went back to college at the University of Florida for a degree to pursue her passion for teaching. She taught elementary education for 29 years before retiring, and remained a life long Gator fan. Dot and David had many hobbies, including traveling in their RV. They toured much of North America, including several trips to Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. They especially enjoyed their stays in Western North Carolina, typically spending the summer months there.
Dot had a beautiful singing voice and was very outgoing and friendly to all. She was active in the Thomasville First United Methodist Church, "friends craft club", and absolutely loved playing bridge.
Dot was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, David Green Rigsby, and her son, David Cary Rigsby. She is survived by son, Ryland Terry Rigsby (Sharon) and daughter-in-law Kate Pearce; Grandchildren: Kathryn Rigsby, Kara Rigsby Godfrey (Adam), Jennifer Rigsby Reid (Kevin), Joshua Rigsby (Karen), and John David Rigsby (Adam), as well as six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Dot passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022, with her loved ones at her side, and under the care of the wonderful staff at Azalea Gardens Memory Care in Tallahassee. A family graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution be made to Thomasville First United Methodist Church, 425 North Broad Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792, or to a charity of your choosing.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors