Joan Lester Rigney, 86, of Eden, better known to everyone as “Grandma Joan"” passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at her residence.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Ridge-View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12 until 1 pm on Tuesday before the service.

Joan was born in Eden on August 14, 1939, a daughter of Elmer Jesse Lester and Doris Nance Lester, both deceased. She retired from the Rockingham County School System.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Cecil Lee Rigney; her brothers, Ralph “Joel” Lester and Elmer Douglas Lester; and her granddaughter, Adrienne Bullins.

Joan is survived by her children, Terry Handy (Wayne) of Stoneville, Michael Solomon (Tracy) of Eden, Tony Solomon of New Orleans, Wendy Perry of Eden, Tosha Fuqua (Calvin) of Eden; her siblings, Jean Robertson of Eden, Paul Lester of Eden, Sandra Harris of Stoneville; her sister-in-law, Lillie Mae Lester of Eden; her grandchildren, Crystal Martin, Brandy Solomon, Victoria Perry, Joshua Hill, Courtney Hill, Kayla Goin, Joanna Corum, Deanna Ellison, Elizabeth Lemons; nine great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ancora Compassionate Care, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375.