It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vivian “Meme” Riggins Ballard, 81, of White Deer. She passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 12:07 PM, in her home, surrounded by family. Her prayers were answered when her Jesus came to take her Home.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date with only close family members present. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Jerry Eldon Ballard; daughter, Therelena Meeks Mitchell of League City; son, Kerry Ballard and wife Kim of White Deer; 4 grandchildren, Clinton Meeks of League City, Zach Ballard and wife Mandi of Panhandle; Trevor Ballard and wife Andrea of White Deer, and Carissa Turner and husband Chris of Pearland; 7 great- grandchildren, Leighton, Kaylee, and Chloe Ballard, all of Panhandle, Rylee Ballard of White Deer, and Liam, Waylon, and Beau Turner, all of Pearland. She is preceded in death by her mother, Cynthia Lorene Travis; father, Lloyd Riggins; sisters, Theresa Gann, Carolyn Orr, and Mary Ruth Stevens; and brothers, Bill Housley and Paul (Camey) Hammons.
Vivian was born in Pampa on March 31, 1942. She graduated from White Deer High School in 1960 and attended Frank Phillips College in Borger. She was a member of First Baptist Church in White Deer.
Vivian also went by the name of Meme, which was given to her by her oldest grandson. Her family was what she valued most in life. She was a loving, caring person to all who knew her. Vivian loved doing things for others, as she wanted to make people happy. She loved to make people laugh and was well-known for her pranks and jokes. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the kids of White Deer, teaching them how to play basketball, how to drive a tractor, cook, and many more things. Vivian loved to cook and was well-known in the community for her Christmas candy. She also worked hard and enjoyed helping her husband and son with the farm work.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Interim Home Care and Hospice team in Pampa, and a special thanks to Megan, Adriana, and Penny for their expertise, attention, kindness, and sensitivity given to Meme and the family through this journey.
A special thanks to Lorena, who provided home care to Meme during this past year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Interim Healthcare of Pampa at 2217 Perryton Pkwy., Pampa, TX, 79065 or to the Rae of Sunshine Scholarship Fund at @Raeof-Sunshine on Venmo or 2137 N. Banks, Pampa, TX, 79065.
Please sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
