Paris AnnMonai Riggs

Paris AnnMonai Riggs, our beloved daughter, was born on November 4, 1995, to James Riggs Jr. and Carolyn Riggs at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, California. Paris accepted Christ at the age of 11 and was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas on April 5, 2006, where Pastor Dwight McKissic served as Senior Pastor. Paris was an active and faithful member of "The Stone" for 15 years, serving joyfully, compassionately, and lovingly.

Her ministry involvement was wide and heartfelt. She sang in the children's ministry, youth choir, and youth praise and worship team. She participated in the Speakers Ministry, excelling to the State Bible Drill and Speakers' Tournament levels of competition. She was part of the Daughters of Deborah Mentoring Ministry, served as both participant and leader in Vacation Bible School, taught children's Sunday School, and was a valued member of the media team.

Paris once said, "I love the Lord first of all and my family. I am a caring and compassionate person who loves getting to know new people." She also shared, "I'm trying to do God's 'will' and not my own will, but it is challenging at times." And when she made mistakes, she would often smile and say, "If God be for ya, who could be against ya?"

Paris loved all of her friends, and it often seemed that all of her friends were her "besties" (smile). She was our beautiful and loving social butterfly who enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Our sweet daughter was loved by all and, needless to say, never met a stranger.

Paris attended Timberview High School in Mansfield, Texas, where she was an active member of the marching band. When she was rezoned to the newly built Lake Ridge High School, she continued her participation in the Lake Ridge Marching Band until her graduation. Her instrument of choice was the trombone. Paris was a proud member of the first graduating class of Lake Ridge High School in 2013.

She went on to attend Tarrant County College in Arlington, Texas, where she earned her Associate Degree in Science and was awarded the "Tarrant County College Spirit of Southeast Award." She continued her academic journey at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Paris' employment reflected her passion for working with children. She served as a substitute teacher, worked with Child Protective Services, and contributed her gifts to several other organizations committed to serving youth and families.

Paris was preceded in death by her paternal grandfathers, Willie B. Russell Sr. and James Riggs Sr., and her maternal grandmother, Melba Riggs.

She leaves behind her loving father and mother, James Riggs Jr. and Carolyn Riggs; her maternal grandmother, Jo Anna Wray; her siblings Jamiqua Sears (Danny), September Riggs, and William Riggs (Lizbeth). She will be fondly remembered by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.