Mary Ella Riggs, affectionately known to family and friends as “Mae,” was born on November 22, 1939, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Jimmy and Emma Acoff. She was the second oldest of thirteen children. From the very beginning, there was something truly extraordinary about Mae. Her life became a beautiful testament to faith, strength, compassion, and unconditional love.

At an early age, Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At the age of twelve, she was baptized at Providence Baptist Church by Reverend Fuller. She faithfully served the church for many years as a devoted choir member, Sunday School secretary, and proudly represented Providence annually at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention. Her favorite hymn, “This Old Soul of Mine,” reflected the joy and steadfast faith she carried throughout her life.

At the age of sixteen, Mae was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Though faced with this serious illness, she refused to let it define her. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit carried her through every obstacle. She graduated from Tipton High School in 1958 and went on to work as a film developer and florist, touching the lives of many through her dedication and strong work ethic.

As one of the oldest children, Mae naturally embraced the role of a second mother to her siblings. She was their confidante, protector, and provider. Whether offering a listening ear, words of encouragement, or making sure they had clothing, shoes, and toys, her love knew no limits. Her brothers and sisters always knew they could depend on her, and they often said they could not have asked for a better sister.

In 1965, Mae married David Riggs, and to this union two sons were born, David and Michael. The family later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where they lived for several years before the marriage ended in divorce. She later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to join her sister Emma. There she met her devoted life companion, William Tucker. Together they were blessed with two children, Rakida and Tevaris, creating a loving family built on faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.

On June 30, 2026, Mae peacefully transitioned from this earthly life. She was truly a God-sent blessing to everyone who knew her. No matter what the circumstance, if someone needed a hug, help, comfort, guidance, or simply a warm meal, Mae was always there.

She lovingly cared for countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and neighborhood children throughout the years. Parents entrusted their children to her, knowing they would be safe, loved, and cared for as if they were her own. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Her cooking became legendary among family and friends, and no gathering was complete without her delicious dressing, a dish made with love that everyone eagerly anticipated.

Mae’s greatest gift was her heart. She loved without conditions, gave without expecting anything in return, and always placed the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering faith left an everlasting imprint on every life she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jimmy and Emma Acoff; her devoted life companion, William Tucker; her beloved son, Tevaris Tucker; her cherished grandson, Michael Riggs Jr.; her siblings Paul Acoff, James Acoff, Ernest Acoff, Ora Shelton, and Janet Wade; and her beloved niece Julia Acoff and nephew Ernest “Rick” Freeman, whom she helped raise alongside her own children.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: David (Albirda) Acoff, Michael (Terasa) Riggs, and Rakida (Thomas) Descott; her treasured grandchildren: Akisha Jones, Tamesha Acoff, Michael Hudson, Nashala Riggs, Mikyla Riggs, Nevaeh Tucker, and Nessiah Descott; her beautiful great grandchildren Michael Hudson Jr., Azaria Moore, Zaniya Moore, Noah Morgan, Dreshawn Riggs, Zaiya Moore and Peyton Morgan her beloved siblings: Joe (Linda) Acoff, Emma Freeman, Gregory (Berlinda) Acoff, Clarence (Fannie) Acoff, Della

(Dawson) Millhouse, Thomasine Fletcher, and Katherine (William) Elder; her prayer partner, Rosalyn Walker from Newark Delaware; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the love she shared.

God truly blessed us with an angel in the person of Mary “Mae” Riggs. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and left this world far better than she found it. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that her legacy of faith, love, strength, and service will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Mae’s beautiful smile, gentle spirit, wise counsel, warm embrace, and unconditional love will never be forgotten. Her memory will remain forever in our hearts, and her love will continue to guide us until we meet again.