Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Hunter Jean Riggs, born June 9th, 1998, passed away on Sunday, April 5th, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.
Hunter was raised in Merritt Island, Florida, and later attended Jacksonville University, where she pursued her passion for nursing. She went on to become a registered nurse at The Mayo Clinic, where she dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and strength.
She is survived by her beloved mother, Cori Campbell Riggs; her father, Rick Riggs; her brother, Cody Riggs; her fiancé, John Sheffield; and her soon-to-be in-laws, Howard and Tinya Sheffield, who loved her dearly.
Hunter was beautiful, intelligent, and had a presence that could light up any room. She was a true fighter, showing a level of courage that was unmatched. She was an incredible friend, a loving daughter, a supportive sister, and a devoted fiancée. Not only did she touch the lives of her family and friends, but she also deeply impacted her patients, caring for each of them with kindness, empathy, and a genuine heart.
Hunter passed on Easter Sunday, a day that represents faith, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. For those who knew her and her strong faith, there is comfort in knowing she is now at peace, embraced in God’s love and watching over those she loved so deeply.
Memorial service details will be shared at a later time as family and friends prepare to honor the legacy she leaves behind.




Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Maria Smelser
April 8, 2026, 1:26 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Hunter’s passing, my prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. My daughter, Alyssa, always spoke very highly of her and what a wonderful person she was. I’m certain Jesus welcomed her with open arms and that she is smiling on her family and friends.
Olivia Scaturro
April 8, 2026, 4:28 pm
Hunter was the biggest light and inspiration during my cancer journey. She was my friend, not just my nurse and always gave me the most encouraging advice. She continued to lift me up in prayer and was my role model. She gave the most meaningful hugs and that’s something I’ll take moving forward. To hug like Hunter. Love you so much sweet girl.
Deedra Harris
April 8, 2026, 5:19 pm
I’m deeply saddened about the loss of Hunter. Her unwavering faith and extraordinary courage has inspired countless people, and her sweet, kind, loving, and caring spirit will be remembered forever.
She shared such a beautiful relationship with John, and it’s heartbreaking to think of the future without her by his side.
Although her departure came far too soon, I take comfort in knowing that she’s at peace, surrounded by God’s loving care. Your memory will be a blessing to us all.
Heather Ellis️
April 8, 2026, 6:44 pm
Hunter,
Thank you for being such a light. It was truly an honor to work alongside you. You had the most beautiful soul, and the way you connected with your patients was something so special. You spoke to them with such genuine compassion and understanding, shaped by your own experience with cancer, and it meant more than you probably ever knew, to them and to me too.
I’ll never forget just being in the room and hearing the way you talked to your patients, it was genuine and empathetic.
When I first started working on the oncology floor, I was scared. I didn’t know if it would be too triggering for me or if I would be able to handle it because of my own experience with cancer. But then I met you. You showed me what it looks like to turn pain into purpose, and to care for others with strength, empathy, and grace. You became an example for me, and I will carry that with me forever.
Thank you for inspiring me and so many others. I will never forget you.
Rest peacefully, knowing how deeply you are loved and the impact you made. I find comfort in knowing you are at peace in heaven with God. ️️
Nick Graziano
April 8, 2026, 9:42 pm
Everyone can agree that Hunter was a light in this world. She carried a warmth that made people feel seen—always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a simple hello that could brighten your day. Even in brief moments, it was clear she had a gentle, welcoming spirit that drew others in.
The grief that follows the loss of someone so beautiful can feel overwhelming and hard to mend. But if Hunter taught us anything, it was through the quiet strength of her faith. Her hope in Jesus was evident—not just in words, but in the way she lived, loved, and connected with others.
In moments like these, we can hold onto that same hope. A hope that God sees our broken hearts and will bring healing in time. A hope that this goodbye is not the end, but that one day, we will be called home too—and reunited again. We are keeping her family and loved ones in our prayers, trusting that God will surround them with comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Jeanine Upchurch
April 9, 2026, 1:01 am
I didn’t know Hunter or her family, I just wanted to say to her parents siblings ,fiancé and family I know how hard this is words are so inadequate. My daughter ( Janel F 25)a Nursing JU alumni of 2018 died 5 years ago. The pain is immeasurable but with God’s help and a Lot of support you can keep going on. I’m praying for all of you right now and know you’re not alone in your pain.
Lindsey Donovan
April 9, 2026, 7:50 pm
To Hunter and all who love her:
Hunter, thank you for bringing me so many laughs, smiles, and being a shoulder to lean on these past few years. I immediately connected with you first as a friend, but also working in the oncology world. Learning about your constant strength and faith during your own journey with cancer always gave me the inspiration and passion to continue to treat every patient as if they were my own friend or family member. You constantly reminded me to stay positive for my patients to be a light throughout their treatment when they needed it most in the darkest of times. As a friend, you never failed to make me laugh or always check up on me when you knew I was going through hard patches in life. I will forever remember all of the laughs we shared and so many good memories with our friends. You inspire me to become more connected with my faith and to re-center myself when times get hard. Love you forever angel and I know you’re smiling down on us always ❤️
Sending all of my love, hugs, strength, and prayers to John, the Riggs family, and the Sheffield family. ❤️
Lisa Donovan
April 9, 2026, 8:38 pm
Sharing my deepest condolences, prayers and love to Hunter’s family and her fiancé, John at this most difficult time. I know that Hunter was such a bright light for so many people. Thank you for being such a good friend to my daughter Lindsey. May God embrace you during this time of grief and bring healing to your heart.