Donna Sue Riggs

Donna Sue Riggs, 61 of New Tazewell, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville. She was born in Tazewell on March 28, 1965, a daughter of the late Perry and Mildred Marie Earls Whitaker. Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a believer in the Baptist Faith and had been caregiver and a homemaker.

In addition to her parents that raised her, she was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Jean Collins; and brother, Jerry Mullins.

Donna is survived by her husband of 40 years, Elmer Gary Riggs; children, Donna Jo Ayers (Carl Mozingo), Dustin Whitaker (Molly Etheridge), Ashley Elliott (Eugene), and Chasity Riggs; grandchildren, Lexus Ayers, Seth Ayers, Landon Young, Aiden Riggs, Zander Lovell, Damon Lovell, and Hadley Riggs; special sister-in-law, Teresa Riggs and husband, Eddie; and a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel with Rev. Marion O. VanBever. Burial will follow at Drummonds Cemetery in New Tazewell. Pallbearers will be Dustin Whitaker, Seth Ayers, Zander Lovell, Aiden Riggs, Landon Young, and Damon Lovell. Honorary pallbearers will be Gilbert Edward “Eddie” Riggs, James Phillip Riggs, and Scott Earls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made toward the funeral expenses to Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel.

Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate is honored to serve the Riggs Family.