Cara A. Riggs

Cara Allen Riggs passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Fountain Inn farm she loved, surrounded by her family and favorite dachshunds. Although taken too soon, she packed a lot of life into her 58 years. Spirited, adventuresome and courageous are just a few of the adjectives friends use to describe her.

Cara was born into an active family that enjoyed shooting and water skiing, in Lynchburg, VA. She was the daughter of Mildred Leachman Allen and the late James Robert Allen. After attending college at Radford University, she met the love of her life, Matthew Riggs, while working as a traveling nurse in Greenville, SC.  Together, the two created a warm, engaging home that always offered an open door, with activities centered on the Clemson Tigers and the occasional game of Texas Hold ‘Em.

Their life shifted when Gracie and Livie were born. Oh, how Cara loved her girls. Cara’s creativity, independence and ability to savor every moment run deep in their DNA. She would always tell them, “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle!”  Cara was very excited to see the family grow recently, with Gracie’s marriage to Grayson Barnwell.

In recent years, Cara battled cancer just as she did tennis foes across the net, with grace and a fierce determination to win.  And while the game ended far sooner than anyone would like, she is the victor, moving on to a court above with far grander glory, where she will join her dad James Robert Allen.  In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Gracie (Grayson) and Livie; and three siblings, Catherine (James), Doug (Kim), and David (Dannie).

Matt, Livie, Gracie and Grayson will receive friends at a drop-in on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 1-4pm at The Farm. In honor of Cara’s vibrant style and lively personality, casual attire with some colorful flare is strongly encouraged.