Reba Wiggins

Canton - Reba Burnett Wiggins, 89, passed away peacefully following a short illness at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge in Asheville, N.C. She was born in the Cruso community of Haywood County in June, 1926 and was the only child of Rev. Oder and Ethel Poston Burnett. Reba attended Bethel High School, graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1943. For this achievement she was awarded a two-year scholarship to Western Carolina Teacher's College (now WCU). However, she attended Blanton's Business College and worked at American Enka Corporation for several years during the WWII period. Throughout her life she was dedicated to the Baptist faith, attended Edgewood Baptist Church in Enka and later East Fork Baptist Church in Cruso. She served as Treasurer for many years at Edgewood during the 1960's and 70's. Reba raised three daughters and was a loving wife to Ira J. Wiggins for 58 years until his death in March, 2005. Her best and fondest years were those living in the Enka community and attending her children's activities. She and her husband returned to the Cruso community at the death of her father, Oder Burnett. A woman with a sweet and often quiet nature, she was faithful to close friends and proud of her children's and husband's accomplishments. She was recognized for her participation in N.C. Senior Games and volunteered for several years at Cruso's Community Center. One of her enjoyments was bluegrass music and she followed the Haywood International Bluegrass band, Balsam Range. The history of the Poston and Burnett families of Haywood County were a special interest and she knew the many connections of the family trees from oldest to youngest. Mrs. Wiggins is survived by her daughters , Myra Grant of Asheville, N.C., Teri Owenby, Fletcher, N.C., and Kaye Leath, Charleston, S.C. , grandchildren, Tracy Proctor and Travis Jones, and great grand-children, Megan and Crystal Jones, and new great, great grand-child, Connor Wright, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Greg Cullen and Reverend Chan Chandler officiating. A luncheon reception for friends and family will follow the service next door in the Wells Events & Reception Center. The family wishes to thank the nursing and medical staff at Haywood Regional Hospital and the truly dedicated staff at the Laurels of Greentree Ridge, as well as Drs. Brian Caffrey and Julia Hartley, D.O. who cared for Mrs. Wiggins for many years. Memorials may be made to East Fork Baptist Church Men's Group Ministry, 13175 Cruso Road, Canton, NC 28716 or Haywood County Meals on Wheels, 157 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, NC 28721.

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