Fran Jean Riggins

Fran Jean Riggins, age 72, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Born in Fort Benning, Georgia, Fran was the daughter of Eddie Eugene Riggins and Betty Jean Lankford Riggins. She graduated in 1970 from Easley High School, attended Clemson University, and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University, where she sang with the World Action Singers.

In 1973, Fran was named Miss Easley and went on to represent her hometown in the Miss South Carolina pageant, where she won the title of Miss South Carolina. It was her great honor to represent her hometown and the state of South Carolina.

Fran’s passion for fashion design led her to New York City, where she began her career working for the New York office of Alice Manufacturing Company. She went on to model for Women’s Wear Daily and later became the North American representative for Leonard Paris in New York. Fran loved to sing, enjoyed culinary arts, was an avid runner and fitness enthusiast.

In 1988, Fran returned to Easley. During her time in Easley and Greenville, Fran worked as the marketing director for Greenville Radiology and as assistant director for the Easley Chamber of Commerce, from where she retired.

Fran is survived by her mother; two sons, Edwin W. Laffey, III (sp Vanessa) of Arlington, Virginia; Philip S. Laffey of Sunrise, Florida; one granddaughter, Cecelia Collette Laffey; her sister, Reggia Riggins Stapleton (sp David) of Easley; and, several nieces and nephews.

Fran is predeceased by her father.

To celebrate Fran’s life, a private family gathering will be held at a future time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Legacy Fund of Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East 1st Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.