Falesha Wiggins

Falesha Bender Wiggins, 58, of Rose Hill, NC, passed away on December 14, 2022, surrounded by family. Falesha was born July 31, 1964, in Raleigh, NC.

Falesha was funny, sarcastic, and kind, with a loving heart. She was intelligent and eloquent in her writing and conversation, and a fierce advocate for animals, musicians, and cancer patients. She was faithfully dedicated to her husband and family. She was also the kind of person who would lay uncomfortably for hours because moving meant disturbing the many beloved dogs and cats who had found their way onto her couch or bed. Falesha was also an accomplished bluegrass bassist. She wanted to be the rock solid foundation that holds the song to its natural timing and was very talented at doing so. Falesha will undoubtedly be remembered for the enthusiastic way she lived, loved, and played bass. In her own words, “Enjoy everything you do, as much as you possibly can; we’re all just passing through.”

She was predeceased by her father William Barber and stepfather Robert Ray.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Brent Wiggins of Rose Hill, NC; mother, Peggy Ray of Durham, NC; two brothers: Allen Ray (Kim) of Kittrell, NC, and Michael Barber (Barbara) of Holland, NY; three sisters: Donna Mims (Romero) of Senoia, GA, Paula Kelly of Maysville, GA, Maryanne Snedegar (Walt) of Apple Valley, CA; plus several nieces and nephews, including Jaxson Ray of Kittrell, NC. A host of fellow bluegrass pickers, loving in-laws, and cherished friends also survive her.

Private services will be held for Falesha at City of Oaks Funeral Home and Cremations. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to your favorite animal rescue shelter or cancer charity, as Falesha was earnestly devoted to these issues.