To view Mother Riddick's souvenir journal, please click the "Program" link below:
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"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." ~2 Timothy 4:7

Mother Virginia Enoch Riddick, whose birth name was "Beautiful" and was affectionately known as "Beaut" by her siblings and close friends, was the beloved daughter of James Enoch and Pauline Thomas Enoch. She was born on April 18, 1930, in Bishopville, South Carolina. Because this time was the beginning of the Great Depression here in the United States, the Enoch family desired to have a better life with more opportunities available for them; therefore, they became a part of the Great Migration north to New York City, New York. After living there most of her life, Mother Riddick, along with her eldest daughter, decided to relocate to Tallahassee, Florida, in 2021.

Mother Riddick's faith was unshakeable. She was saved by the grace of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She faithfully served the Lord with gladness as a member of Salem United Methodist Church in New York City. Evidence of her profound love for Him was shown in the way she interacted with others and unconditionally loved everyone. Upon moving to Tallahassee during the Covid 19 Pandemic, she became a virtual member of the Family Worship and Praise Center.

Mother Riddick had a warm, inviting personality with a winning, infectious smile. She loved people, was fun-loving, and a great relationship builder. On the other hand, she had her own unique way of indicating that she was a respected, no-nonsense …… straightforward and intentional woman.

Mother Riddick's employment began at Sophia's Millinery Factory in the heart of the fashion district in New York City and ended at her home church, Salem United Methodist Church Childcare Center. Her ministry there was to prepare nutritious meals and snacks that were blessed with love for the senior citizens and the children, but she also provided extra hugs and kisses for the little ones.

During her retirement, Mother Riddick established a daily routine of enjoying life to the fullest but on her terms. She loved watching and interacting with game shows on television, especially Steve Harvey's "Family Feud" and "Wheel of Fortune." She was also very good at solving word puzzles. She was always enlightened when she watched the nightly news anchored by David Muir. Most of all, she was entertaining with her love for rhyming / rapping poetry and was affectionately known as the "Senior Rapper" and "a poet who didn't know it" by her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She was a smooth, suave, alluring dancer as well as an avid bowler who was proud to be a part of their championship team, the Salem Crescent Bowling Team. To their credit, she and her bowling siblings once appeared on the television show "Bowling for Dollars."

During her lifetime, Mother Riddick witnessed history in the making. Born during the Great Depression and the Harlem Renaissance, she could well relate to the World Wars, the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Era, space travel, cell phones and other electronic technology, the Presidential election and re-election of Barack Obama, the election of Vice President Kamala Harris, the deadly Covid 19 Pandemic, and ongoing climate change. She was an excellent resource in sharing her memories of these events.

As the family's godly matriarch, Mother Riddick's life was a testament to what faith in God, devotion to family, and ethical behavior can yield. She always encouraged others to get back up and to keep it moving whenever they "fall down." Her listening ear, evidence of her caring, as well as her kind words, had the power to turn life around. She was a tower of strength and a fighter to the very end.

Mother Virginia Enoch Riddick's life exemplified the importance of faithful endurance and the assurance of eternal reward. She lived to die only to live again. "Henceforth, there's laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me that day." (2 Timothy 4:8) Consequently, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, she answered when the Master called her to come and receive eternal rest in His presence. Servant of God, well done!

Mother Virginia Enoch Riddick's life reflected many life lessons that her loved ones learned. They turned to her because of her strength; they listened to her because of her wisdom; and they grew because of her unconditional love. They will celebrate her legacy of life, love, strength, and determination in honor of the decades she impacted their lives. Those who will miss her until they meet again are her children: John Charles Enoch of New York City, NY, Sarah M. Enoch and Yvonne Enoch, both of Tallahassee, FL; sister: Nancy Brown of New York, NY, and sister-in-love: Mary Pinckney Enoch of Charleston, SC; nieces: Deborah (Rodney) Ross, Celestine Hill, Monique (Richard) Dominique, Felicia Enoch, and Vickie Holmes-Morris; nephews: Carlton Brown, Byron Hicks, and Phillip Enoch; grandchildren: Jabri Randolph, Patrice (Terrance) Rosier, Tishequa Enoch, and Jenelle (Roger) Snells; great-grandchildren: Amauri, TJ, Terreon, Carter, and Legend; best friend: Maryanne Marks Moore of New York City, NY; along with a host of other sorrowing relatives and loving, cherished friends.

Preceding Mother Riddick in death were her parents: James Enoch and Pauline Thomas Enoch; husband: Vernon Riddick; daughter: Jeanette Enoch; brothers: Henry Enoch, Will Enoch, Charles Enoch, Thomas Enoch, and Joseph Enoch; and sisters: Jannie March, Mary Enix, and Joyce Hicks.