Dora Watson Rigdon

Dora W. Rigdon

Dora Watson Rigdon, 102, of 69 Phoenix Road, Tuckasegee, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was born on June 2, 1923, to the late John R and Mary M Alexander Watson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin Rigdon; son, Eddie Rigdon; great-grandson, Graberil Rigdon; twelve brothers and sisters.

Dora was a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church which she loved so much and her faith in God was surreal.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

The boys and grandkids are going to miss her.

She is survived by three sons, Alvin Rigdon, Jr. (Vickie) of Longview, Washington, Dan Rigdon (Donna), of Sylva, and Ben Rigdon (Karen), of Tuckasegee; daughter-in-law, Gina Rigdon; 28 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Reverend Tracy Mathis officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.