Vanda Marie Rigsby

Vanda Marie Rigsby, age 64, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House. She was born on December 31, 1960, in Valdosta to the late Leroy and Marie (Prescott) Dixon.

Vanda dedicated her career to shaping young minds as an early childhood education teacher with the Lanier County Board of Education in Lakeland, Georgia. Throughout her years in the classroom, she made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and families. Her warmth, patience, and gift for making learning joyful left an imprint on every life she touched.

Outside of the classroom, Vanda’s life was filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships. She cherished time spent with her close-knit group of teacher friends—whether they were exploring new places on their many trips together, sharing meals at their favorite restaurants, or embarking on shopping adventures that always included strolling down every single aisle of every store they visited.

Christmas held a special place in Vanda’s heart. She embraced the season with joyful traditions, from her family gatherings that often stretched late into the night—waiting until 10 p.m. to eat and opening presents one at a time until the early hours of the morning—to the festive “Christmas in July” celebrations with her girlfriends. No matter the time of year, those celebrations were always filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.

Along with her parents, Vanda was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Thomas Hutto Dixon, and her nephew, Brent Dixon.

Survivors include her son, Jonathan Fender (Stephanie) of Lake Park, GA; grandchildren: Addison Michelle, Addison Claire, Lilli, and Brynlee; sister, Kendall Dixon Hudson of Valdosta, GA; nephew, Justin Dixon; nieces: Jayla, Amber, and Brittany Dixon Bell; great-niece and great-nephew, Sadie and Levi; and sister-in-law, Karen Dixon Browning of Valdosta, GA.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, GA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, October 24, 2025, at the funeral home. Kind words and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The family of Vanda Marie Rigsby is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.