Jane B. Riggins

Jane Riggins, 86, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 12, 2025. Born on December 9, 1938, in Charlotte, NC, to Edward Henry Brockenbrough and Lucielle Brockenbrough. Jane grew up on Brockenbrough Field, where her family’s airport ignited her adventurous and deeply nurturing spirit amid the hum of airplanes and the open skies.

Jane’s heart belonged to her beloved husband, Bobby Riggins, the love of her life, to whom she was married for over 65 years until his passing on June 17, 2024. Together, they built a life of partnership and purpose: Jane served as a dedicated bank teller in Charlotte, bringing her warmth and reliability to every transaction before co-founding Alpha Canvas & Awning together with Bobby in 1984. They worked side by side until their retirement in 2002.

Her true passion was “Her Babies,” a term that extended far beyond her family to embrace countless others with boundless love and care. From her son, Eric Riggins, 62, to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a kind word or open door—many of whom may be reading this—Jane made everyone feel cherished. She held a special love for her church family at New Covenant Church in Mt. Holly, where she was actively involved in many ministries but especially cherished her Sunday School group, fostering deep connections and faith-filled fellowship. Her legacy of nurturing lives on through her seven grandchildren: Alexia Riggins, Olivia Riggins, Eric Riggins Jr., Luke Riggins, Blake Riggins, Jesse Riggins, and Victoria Riggins; and her five great-grandchildren: Stella Mullis, Ryder Riggins, Cameron Yancey, Chandler Yancey, and Brooks Riggins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Lucielle Brockenbrough, her husband, Bobby Riggins, and her son, Brian Riggins.  Jane is survived by her sister, Jo Boykin, son, Eric Riggins, and his wife, Angie Riggins; her seven grandchildren; and her five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on October 18, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr., Matthews, NC 28104. Feel free to send flowers, or donations may be made to New Covenant Church in Mt. Holly to honor Jane, reflecting her lifelong devotion to “Her Babies.”

Jane’s spirit, forever soaring like the planes of Brockenbrough Field, will continue to inspire and comfort all who were lucky enough to be one of her own.