Audrey Maxine Riffle

Audrey Maxine (Eastman) Ligon Riffle passed peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on July 22, 2026 at 101 years old. She was born on February 24, 1925 to John and Francis (Hall) Eastman in Ansted, West Virginia. Audrey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norton D. Ligon, and her second husband, Nelson B. Riffle; both her parents; her sisters, Ethel Roberts, Margarite Wilburn, Thelma Schoolcraft, and Zelphia Eastman; and her brothers, Harold Eastman, Charles Eastman, Gerald Eastman, Norman Eastman, and Stanley Eastman. She is survived by her daughter, Cherlyn “Kay” Reive; her brother, Shirley Eastman; two grandchildren, Angela Reive and Brandon Reive; and many nieces and nephews. Audrey was blessed to be raised in a home in the mountains of West Virginia that was filled with love, hard work, and an instilled faith in God. She received the Holy Spirit at the age of 12 at the Beckwith Pentecostal Church, and served the Lord faithfully until her death. She graduated from Ansted High School, and began working at the Ames Mine. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Norton and Audrey left West Virginia and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and then to Michigan. There, Audrey worked as a credit manager at Montgomery Wards after her daughter had entered junior high school, and worked there until her retirement. Several years after the death of Norton in 1983, Audrey was blessed to get a second chance at love, and met and married Nelson Riffle in 1991. In 1955, Norton and Audrey purchased a home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. For a short time, she attended the United Pentecostal Church in Pontiac, Michigan, pastored by her brother-in-law, Rev. Eugene Roberts; but due to the traveling distance, in 1955 before the snow became an issue, she began attending the United Pentecostal Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. This church was pastored by Rev. M. M. Hudson (and later pastored by Rev. William H. Nix and then Nathaniel Nix.) Then, she moved to Laurel, Mississippi, in November of 2024. Once again, she was blessed to have found a wonderful church family at The Rock Church, pastored by Rev. Jerry Rowley, where she continued to serve the Lord until her death. For many years, Audrey was a camp counselor at the Michigan District Pentecostal Church youth camps, and also participated with the Ladies Auxiliary at her local church. Audrey will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant. Over the years, she opened her home to others in need. She was very soft-spoken, and known for her kindheartedness, warmth, pleasant smile, and welcoming spirit. Her love for God was the foundation of her life, and she served Him faithfully with all her heart. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm at The Rock Church, located at 635 MS-15 S in Laurel, Mississippi. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:30 PM, and burial will take place at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on as an example in the lives of all who knew and loved her. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23 To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

Audrey Maxine Riffle

February 24, 1925 - July 22, 2026