Tavia Marguerete (O'Shields) Rigdon

Tavia Marguerete O'Shields Rigdon, 67, passed away October 10, 2025, surrounded by family, after a valiant battle with several issues that befell her in the last month of her life. She was born April 27, 1958 in Orleans Parrish, New Orleans LA, to the late Gus and Norma Jackson O'Shields.

Her father was in the military and like all military children, she grew up in several places including New Orleans, Newport News VA, and Charleston SC. Once her father left the army, they moved to Union SC where she graduated from Union High School. Being an only child, and with her father overseas much of the time, she and her mom were extremely close during her childhood. They maintained this bond until her mother's death.

After graduating high school, Tavia attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing, She was an avid fan and supporter of the SC Gamecocks. Tavia earned a CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification and maintained that credential for 30 years. She worked primarily in the ICU unit as well as the Emergency Room at the Wallace Thompson Hospital in Union SC. The last part of her career was spent in the Quality Department at Spartanburg Regional.

She is survived by her husband Steve Rigdon, to whom she was married 24 wonderful years. Their residence is at 109 Twin Lakes Dr, Moore, SC. Tavia could not have children, but she adopted her nieces, nephews, and their children as her own.  She also loved her pet bird Zippy, and was inseparable from her dog Pixie.

Tavia was loved by all. She was well-known for her cooking, especially her baking skills. She also was a big supporter of Donald Trump and loved watching Fox News.

Although they were not real siblings, she had several friends that became just like siblings. Among these were a life-long friend Elaine Bishop, Nursing friends, Teena Campbell, Jackie Canada, Debbie Rouse, Emily Cannon, Jim Mobley, Mark Reynolds and the late Martha Gregory.

Her funeral service will be Tuesday at Holcombe's Funeral Chapel in Union SC. Visitation is in the Chapel from 1 to 2 PM prior to the service.  Burial will follow the service  at Putman Baptist Church Cemetery. The service will be conducted by family friend Glenda Lowrey Graves. Active pallbearers will be Austin Barrett, Roger Bishop, Rich Canada, Rocky Chapman, Wren Hunley and Warren Kimmons.

The family will be at the residence.

A very special thanks to the family members, Cindy Rigdon, Kayla Barnette and Ella Hunley,  who sat with Tavia almost every night during her illness