Rachel Thomas Diggs

Rachel Thomas Diggs, age 99, of Paris, TN, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at Paris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Paris, TN.

Rachel was born February 7, 1917, in Weakley County, near Dresden, TN, to the late Daniel Walter Thomas and the late Maggie Darnell Thomas.

She attended school in Dresden and Union City, TN, and was a high school graduate.

In 1940, Rachel went to work for Diggs Motor Company in Paris, TN.  She later married James M. Diggs, Sr., son of owner, Ben F. Diggs.

She was a member of First Baptist Church Paris where she worked in different capacities including the deaf ministry, taught Sunday school, and in the missionary society.

Rachel worked as a volunteer at Henry County Medical Center for 10 years in the gift shop.  She was also a charter member of the Blossom Way Garden Club.

She is survived by one brother, Ernest Ray (Shirley) Thomas of Livonia, MI; six grandchildren, Roxanne Taylor, Alane Paschall, Ben Diggs, Marjorie Levy, Richard Russell, and Amanda Futral; two nephews, David Thomas and Gary Thomas; and several other nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one step-daughter, Dianna Diggs Russell; one step-son, James “Jim” M. Diggs, Jr.; one sister, Ruth Thomas Doxey; and one niece, Linda Thomas Dawson.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN, where visitation will be Sunday November 27, 2016 at Ridgeway Funeral Home from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Dr. Trent Bullock officiating.

Family will serve as pallbearers.

Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery.